Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Ninety-Five Bonded Labourers Rescued From Charcoal Units
Officials rescued 95 people from charcoal-making workplaces in Andhra Pradesh.
Many of the workers were children, and the workers came from Adivasi communities in Maharashtra.
The report says employer advances and harassment had trapped them in the work.
Government teams and nonprofit groups helped carry out the rescue.
Officials gave the workers papers confirming their release.
Buses were arranged to take them back to Raigad.
Authorities have started criminal cases against the employers.
Each rescued person may receive up to ₹40,000 in immediate help, along with support such as schooling for children and healthcare.
Officials say inspections will continue and ask people to report suspected bonded labour.
A special drive rescued 95 bonded labourers from charcoal-burning units in Bommanahal and D Hirehal mandals on September 30.
The workers, including numerous children, belonged to Adivasi communities in Maharashtra and were held through employer advances and harassment.
District teams from multiple departments and NGO representatives carried out the operation on the district Collector’s instructions.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate issued Release Certificates, and APSRTC buses were arranged to take the workers safely to Raigad.
Authorities initiated criminal cases against employers; each released person may qualify for up to ₹40,000 in immediate assistance and further rehabilitation.
- Who
- 95 bonded labourers, including numerous children, from Maharashtra’s Adivasi communities were rescued by a multi-departmental team and NGO representatives.
- What
- The workers were rescued from charcoal-burning units, issued Release Certificates, and arrangements were made for their return to Raigad.
- When
- September 30; the year is not stated.
- Where
- Charcoal-burning units in Bommanahal and D Hirehal mandals, Anantapur district.
- Why
- The workers were reportedly trapped by employer advances and harassment.
Authorities’ account
Employers’ response
Alleged bonded labour
Authorities’ account
Authorities said the workers were trapped by employer advances and harassment, and initiated criminal cases under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
Employers’ response
The report does not include a response from the employers.
- People rescued
- 95, including numerous children
- Rescue date
- September 30; year not stated
- Locations
- Bommanahal and D Hirehal mandals
- Workers’ origin
- Adivasi communities in Maharashtra
- Return arrangements
- APSRTC buses to Raigad
- Potential immediate assistance
- Up to ₹40,000 per released individual
- Legal action
- Criminal cases initiated against employers under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act