Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Tribal Family Rescued From Alleged Bonded Labour At Coal Kiln
A tribal family from Raigad was working at a coal kiln in Nashik district.
Police say the family was not free to leave or move around normally.
Three children in the family were allegedly made to work long hours.
On August 23, the kiln owner and his son allegedly assaulted family members during an argument.
The argument reportedly began because the owner suspected they wanted to find other work.
One family member later contacted a social organisation for help.
Activists visited the kiln and rescued the family on August 31.
Police arrested the owner and his son, and an investigation is continuing.
Police arrested a man and his son over allegations that they held a tribal Katkari family as bonded labourers.
The family allegedly worked at a coal kiln in Bhaur, Nashik district, owned by Ramesh Mahadev Pawar.
Police said the family was kept under strict surveillance and restricted from basic daily movements.
Three minors, aged 17, 15 and 13, were allegedly forced to work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Activists rescued the family on August 31, after which Deola Police registered a case against the two accused.
- Who
- A tribal Katkari family from Raigad district; coal-kiln owner Ramesh Mahadev Pawar and his son Krishna Pawar were arrested.
- What
- The family was allegedly held as bonded labourers, subjected to restrictions and forced labour, while minors were allegedly made to work long hours.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred on August 23; the family was rescued on August 31, and the case was registered on September 1, according to the report.
- Where
- At a coal kiln in Bhaur, Deola taluka, Nashik district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Police said the owner allegedly confronted the family because he suspected they planned to seek employment elsewhere.
- Rescued family
- A tribal Katkari family from Jambhulpada in Raigad district
- Workplace
- A coal kiln in Bhaur, Deola taluka, Nashik district
- Accused
- Ramesh Mahadev Pawar and his son Krishna Pawar
- Children involved
- Three minors aged 17, 15 and 13 were allegedly forced into hard labour
- Working hours
- The minors allegedly worked daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Rescue date
- August 31
- Investigation
- Deola Police registered a case and said further investigation was underway