Telangana SLSA Conducts Rescue Operation; Over 500 Bonded Labourers Rescued From Brick Kilns In Nizamabad

According to the press release issued by Ch. Panchakshari, Member Secretary, TSLSA, two bonded labourers — Thupakula Babu from Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, and Sathyaveti Ajith from Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu — approached the authorities through Mr. Chrysolite Choragudi, Government Relations Manager, International Justice Mission, Hyderabad, and submitted a representation detailing alleged exploitation and inhuman conditions at certain brick kiln units in Nizamabad District.

In the representation, the labourers alleged that they and several others were brought to Telangana after being promised wages for brick kiln work. They alleged that they were subjected to inhuman working and living conditions, forced to work from 3:00 AM till 11:00 PM without leave, denied wages, kept under surveillance, and prevented from leaving the premises. They further alleged physical assault, threats, child labour, and sexual violence by the owners and supervisors of the brick kilns.

The representation also alleged that women, children, and disabled children were being made to work at the brick kilns, and that the labourers were forced to sign blank bond papers. The complainants sought immediate rescue, protection, registration of criminal cases, transportation to their native places, and rehabilitation measures.

The Member Secretary stated that upon personally interacting with the labourers, it was revealed that several persons were allegedly working under conditions amounting to bonded labour and were being subjected to exploitative and inhumane conditions. Considering the gravity of the situation, the complaint was forwarded, pursuant to the directions of Justice P. Sam Koshy, Judge of the High Court for the State of Telangana and Executive Chairman of TSLSA, to the Chairperson, DLSA, Nizamabad, requesting an immediate rescue operation involving Revenue and Labour Department officials.

Pursuant to the directions, a multi-agency rescue operation was conducted on the morning of May 19, 2026, at three brick kiln units situated in Armoor Mandal, allegedly owned by the same proprietors. The operation was led by Smt. G.V.N. Bharata Laxmi, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, DLSA, Nizamabad, with the participation of Smt. Ponna Sridevi, Chairperson, Taluka Legal Services Committee, Armoor, along with officials from the Revenue Department, Labour Department, Police, and members of the media.

The press release stated that one of the brick kiln owners, Kiran Reddy, was apprehended at the spot. Authorities allegedly found several labourers and their families living in deplorable conditions at the brick kilns. The labourers reportedly stated that the owners — Kiran Reddy, Thirupathi Reddy and Mallikarjun Reddy — kept them at the brick kilns without basic facilities.

With the assistance of International Justice Mission and police personnel, the rescued labourers were shifted to Vijaya Lakshmi Function Hall, Armoor, for temporary shelter and enquiry. Food was also provided to the rescued labourers.

The press release further stated that the labourers were allegedly forced to work for nearly eighteen hours a day without adequate accommodation, safe drinking water, medical assistance, or proper food for their children. It was also alleged that children above 13 years were engaged in brick kiln work along with adults, and that some labourers had been subjected to physical and sexual violence. Authorities also reportedly found pregnant women and infants at the worksite.

According to the press release, approximately 73 families comprising around 500 persons, including children and infants, were rescued from the brick kilns. Revenue officials are presently undertaking documentation and issuance of Bonded Labour Release Certificates to the rescued labourers.

The release further stated that the process for initiating appropriate legal and penal action against the owners and persons responsible for running the brick kiln units is under progress.