69 bonded labourers freed in Maharashtra
Palghar
Authorities rescued 69 bonded labourers, including minors, from Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district and arrested three people involved in their exploitation, officials said Friday. The victims were mainly forced to cut stones and work on sheep farms. They were freed following a tip-off from activists and have been sent back to their villages in Palghar district. Bonded labour means working to repay a debt under harsh conditions, which is illegal in India under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act. Labour officer Sandeep Harmalkar said an initial raid rescued 16 people, part of the larger group of 69. Police Deputy Superintendent Kunal Sonawane added that three of six accused have been arrested, with efforts ongoing to find the others. The FIR states the accused forced adults and children into tough labour, causing physical and mental harm. This rescue highlights ongoing efforts to end bonded labour in the region.