Bolangir Police Bust Trafficking Racket, Rescue 55 Migrant Workers

In a late-night operation on Friday, Kantabanji police in Odisha’s Bolangir district rescued 55 migrant workers—including 14 children—from a house in Ward No. 8, where they were allegedly being held before being trafficked to other states.

Acting on a tip-off, the raid was led by the Assistant Superintendent of Police. Investigators revealed that the victims were being prepared for forced labour in brick kilns and construction sites outside Odisha.

Two prime suspects, Brajesh Behera and Prakash Behera, managed to escape during the raid. A district-wide manhunt is underway, with police alerting toll gates and transport hubs to prevent their flight.

Authorities ensured immediate care for the rescued individuals, providing food, shelter, medical attention, and counselling—especially for the children. Coordination with social welfare departments is ongoing to facilitate rehabilitation.

Local residents praised the swift police action and demanded strict punishment for the traffickers. Activists have called for stronger monitoring ofthe  migrant labour movement to prevent future exploitation.

Police have registered a case and pledged to intensify surveillance and community engagement to curb trafficking networks in the region.