Assam: Dhubri workers rescued from Bihar brick kiln, allegations of bonded labour, abuse surface

As many as 47 labourers, including women and children from Assam’s Dhubri district, were rescued from a brick kiln in Bihar’s Saharsa district and brought back on Monday, April 13 in a case that has raised serious concerns over bonded labour practices and alleged abuse of migrant workers.

Officials said the workers had been employed at a brick kiln identified as Star Marka Eint Bhatta in Dhamsaini under Kahara block of Saharsa. They had travelled to Bihar nearly five to six months ago in search of employment but were allegedly subjected to exploitative and inhuman conditions.

According to statements recorded from the rescued labourers, they were not paid wages during their entire period of work and were forced to continue under coercive circumstances. Several workers also alleged physical violence and denial of basic necessities such as adequate food and proper shelter.

Refaz Ali, a labourer from Airanjongla village in Dhubri, alleged that his wife, Maleka Bibi, sustained a gunshot injury to her leg after being shot by kiln operators on March 27. She is currently under medical care following her rescue. The incident reportedly triggered attempts by several workers to flee the site.

Another labourer, Ali Sk, alleged that the kiln owner, identified as Md. Owais Qarni, also known as Chunna Mukhia, along with his associates, regularly subjected workers to physical assault. He further alleged that minor girls at the site were taken away and sexually exploited. These claims are under investigation by authorities.

Additional testimonies from labourers, including Kasemuddin and Chandra Banu, indicated that workers faced routine physical abuse and were compelled to work under extreme conditions without safeguards.

Officials in Saharsa confirmed that seven minor girls rescued from the same site remain in Bihar and are currently housed in a government-run children’s home. Authorities stated that they are receiving care and protection while further legal procedures are underway.

Labour Officer Ravindra Kumar Sarma of Saharsa said that the accused kiln owner has been arrested. He added that the rescue operation was conducted by a team from the Saharsa police, who transported the workers in two buses and handed them over to the Dhubri district administration.

The case came to light after some labourers managed to escape and sought assistance from local residents, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged.

Authorities have initiated further investigation into the allegations, including those related to bonded labour and abuse. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers from economically weaker regions, particularly those engaged in informal and unregulated sectors.

Officials said appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, while efforts are underway to provide support and rehabilitation to the rescued workers.