Bolangir Migrant Workers Expose Brutal Exploitation in Telangana Brick Kiln

Fifteen migrant workers from Bolangir district have revealed harrowing accounts of exploitation at a brick kiln in Nalgonda, Telangana.

Trafficked illegally by contractor Keshab Majhi, the workers endured 15–18-hour shifts under constant surveillance by armed goons, with little pay and no relief even during illness.

Women and girls faced sexual harassment and humiliation, while families were forced to mortgage land and ornaments to secure their release.

Phones were confiscated to suppress communication, and the kiln owner Harekrishna allegedly paid only Rs 400 per family per week for food, pocketing large sums through the contractor.

Protests over food allowances were met with brutal retaliation.

After seven months, survivors managed to alert local panchayat leaders, leading to their rescue and return to Bolangir.

Penniless and traumatised, they are now demanding immediate arrest of both the contractor and the kiln owner.