Shocking allegations of sexual abuse, physical violence and bonded labour have emerged after 47 workers from Dhubri were rescued from a brick kiln in Saharsa by Bihar Police.
The workers, including women and children, were rescued from the Star Marka brick kiln in Dhamsaini village under Kahara block and brought back to Assam on April 13. They were transported by buses to Dhubri and handed over to local authorities.
The case came to light after a woman sustained a bullet injury inside the kiln, prompting police intervention. Deputy Superintendent of Police Om Prakash said the victim was rescued and shifted to a hospital, and a case was registered based on her husband’s complaint.
Police have arrested kiln owner Md Owais Qarni, also known as Chunna Mukhia, along with his associate Amit Kumar. Both have been sent to judicial custody, and further investigation is underway.
Survivors have described horrific conditions inside the kiln. Refaz Ali, a labourer from Airanjongla village, alleged that they were forced to work without wages and subjected to inhuman treatment. He claimed workers were made to start work as early as 2 am and were threatened with violence if they refused.
He further alleged that women and minor girls were systematically targeted. According to him, intoxicated perpetrators would take away minor girls, and anyone who resisted was brutally assaulted. He also claimed that his wife was shot in the leg when she refused to comply with their demands.
Another labourer, Ali Sk, echoed similar allegations, stating that girls were taken away by force and workers were tortured if they tried to intervene.
Other survivors described daily beatings, lack of food and shelter, and complete denial of freedom. One worker alleged that a minor girl was burned with a cigarette for refusing to dance.
Officials said seven minor girls rescued from the site are currently housed in a government children’s home in Saharsa, where they are receiving care and protection. Their testimonies are expected to play a crucial role in the investigation.
Labour officer Ravindra Kumar Sarma confirmed that all 47 labourers and their children have been safely repatriated and that rehabilitation measures under bonded labour schemes have been initiated.
The workers, belonging to around 14 families, had migrated to Bihar five to six months ago in search of employment but were allegedly trapped in a cycle of exploitation, with restricted movement, no wages and constant threats.
Authorities said multiple legal provisions, including those related to bonded labour, trafficking and child protection, may be invoked as the investigation progresses.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of migrant labourers from economically weaker regions, exposing how they often fall prey to trafficking and exploitation in unregulated sectors.