Mangalore : The International Justice Mission of Bangalore in association with DK district administration and DK Police have succeeded in releasing 39 bonded labourers working Granite quarry in Vittal and produced to the AC Court of DC Office on December 1, Wednesday.

Speaking to the media person, Assistant Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalakatti, said that the NGO’s were working to reveal the case and release them, but since the place of factory was not sure, it was being traced. Finally the place was disclosed today morning and the authorities with the NGO’s went to the spot and conducted the raid at the THM stone quarry factory belonged to Abdul Haji, son of Abbas Haji in Ukkuda of Vittal.
When the NGO’s verified 50-60 labourers at the factory, 15 laborers said that, they did not have any problem working there and were given good wage. But 39 laborers were working in the factory against their interest. According them the owner would not give the wage for their work but would charge fine for their mistakes, hence it cannot be branded as bonded labour, he said.

Mr Kavalakatti also said that these labourers were not allowed to go to their home town from 6 years and they came from Kollegal, Tamil Nadu and Mysore. Even some of the children were made to work. Further the enquiry will be conducted, till then IJM and district administration will take care of them. If medical facility is necessary to these laboureres it be provided, he added.
Some of the freed bonded labourers are Naveen, Srinivas, Ramesh, Rama, Lakshman, Surya, Chandraiah, Raja, Rajamma, Mallige and others. There were around 12 children too.