Bonded Labour Racket Busted, 15 Rescued

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30 September 2026:  Today, an recused operation took place near Purba Medinipur, and in a significant intervention against bonded labour, 15 workers (14 child bonded labourer and 1 adult bonded labourer) were rescued today from a fishing net-mending unit at Shankarpur Fishing Harbour in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal.

The rescue operation was conducted through the coordinated efforts of the District Administration, District Police, Labour Department, Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and District Child Protection Unit (DCPU)

The workers were engaged in fishing net-mending, an important ancillary activity supporting the marine fishing industry at Shankarpur Fishing Harbour. According to the case information, the workers had migrated from Sulpota/Salupota-Haldipota area of Baleshwar District, Odisha, and were recruited through a labour contractor.

Advance-Based Recruitment and Wage Withholding

Information gathered during the investigation indicates that workers were recruited through an advance-based employment arrangement. At the beginning of the net-mending season, advances were reportedly paid to workers' families—approximately ₹20,000 for minors and ₹30,000–₹40,000 for adolescents.

The work arrangement was described as a 10-month contract, with approximately ₹1 lakh promised as seasonal earnings. However, the actual work period reportedly extended to nearly 12 months. The investigation further found that, following payment of the advance, workers did not receive regular wages in hand for extended periods, with the advance being adjusted against future earnings and deductions reportedly made for leave days.

Long Working Hours and Restrictions on Employment

The case information documents several conditions associated with bonded labour, including:

  • Restriction of freedom of movement
  • Non-payment or irregular payment of wages
  • Restriction on freedom of employment
  • Retention of identity and employment-related documents
  • Advance-based recruitment and substantial withholding of wages
  • Dependence on the contractor for food, accommodation and basic necessities
  • Deductions from wages for leave
  • Poor living conditions in temporary labour huts
  • Excessively long and irregular working hours

The workers reportedly had no fixed working hours, with a typical work schedule extending from approximately 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. During peak periods, work could continue until 2:00 AM, and workers could reportedly be required to work continuously for two to three days when the workload increased.

Legal Provisions

The case involves offences under the following laws:

  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
  • Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2016
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

An FIR is being lodged at Mandarmani Coastal Police Station under the applicable legal provisions.

Government-Led Rescue and Rehabilitation Process

Following the rescue, the workers were being taken through the Bonded labour inquiry and through the enquiry, it was found they were held as a bonded labourer. The concerned government authorities will oversee the necessary procedures and arrangements for the rescued workers.

The intervention is also significant in highlighting the need for continued identification and enforcement action against bonded labour in migrant-dependent sectors, particularly in industries employing vulnerable workers.

Shankarpur: A Key Fishing and Net-Mending Hub

Shankarpur Fishing Harbour is an important coastal fishing hub in Purba Medinipur. The net-mending sector supports the marine fishing industry by repairing, assembling and maintaining fishing nets used by trawlers operating from the harbour. The area also has several ancillary industries, including ice factories, seafood and shrimp processing, dry-fish industries and boat-repairing units.

Rescue at a Glance

Particular

Details

Date of Rescue

30 September 2026

Location

Shankarpur Fishing Harbour, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal

Industry

Fishing Net-Mending / Marine Fishing Ancillary Sector

Workers Rescued

15 (2 adults and 13 children)

Origin of Workers

Baleshwar District, Odisha

Duration of Bondage/Work Arrangement

Approximately 10-month contract; actual work period reportedly extending to nearly 12 months

Key Concerns

Advance-based recruitment, wage withholding, restricted movement and employment, document retention and excessive working hours

Police Station

Mandarmani Coastal Police Station

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