Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports alleging that six workers from Odisha’s Kendrapara district have been held captive by their employer in Thailand for the past six months without pay and adequate food.
The matter reportedly surfaced on February 17 after the workers released a video message detailing their ordeal. In the footage, the men claimed they were confined within a factory premises, subjected to physical and mental harassment, and deprived of wages and proper meals.
Taking note of the media coverage, the apex human rights body observed that if the allegations are found to be true, they point to a grave violation of the victims’ fundamental human rights. The Commission has sought comments from the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ascertain whether immediate assistance can be extended to the affected workers and their families. The MEA has been directed to submit its response within a week.
According to the report, the workers had travelled to Thailand in August last year through a labour contractor who had promised them well-paying jobs. However, upon arrival, they were allegedly forced to work nearly 12 hours a day in a plywood manufacturing unit without receiving any wages or sufficient food. The workers also alleged that their passports were confiscated by their employer, effectively preventing them from leaving.
In their appeal, the workers urged Indian authorities to intervene and facilitate their safe return home.
The NHRC, constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, is an autonomous statutory body entrusted with safeguarding and promoting human rights in the country. It is empowered to take suo motu action based on media reports, public information, or other credible sources, even in the absence of a formal complaint.
The Commission’s intervention has raised hopes that swift diplomatic efforts may be initiated to ensure the safety and repatriation of the affected workers.
