37 children among 118 bonded labourers rescued from brick kiln near Bengaluru

Of the 37 children - 22 were below 18 years, according to a report in Kannada Prabha.

These labourers - hailing from Odisha - were allegedly sold to Mallikarjun, brick kiln owner, through a local contractor in Odisha by paying them Rs 18,000 advance amount.

They were paid Rs 350 per day and made to work extra hours. They were even deprived of basic facilities including accommodation and food.

Labourers alleged that they were not given leave for many months.

Acting on a tip-off, the officials raided the kiln and rescued the labourers. However, Kiln owner Mallikarjun is absconding.

The officials made arrangements with the railway department to send the rescued workers back home.

A case has been registered against him for employing children against the law. The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation Act) of 1986 prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years.

• bonded labourers rescued