By A 60-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh, India, was rescued after being trapped in forced labor for over 20 years. Appa Rao was found herding sheep in the district of Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu. An investigation revealed that he had been working without pay for his employer, Anna Durai, for over two decades. Rao was rescued by the District Administration and the Labor Department, and Durai was arrested and charged under the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act.Rao’s ordeal began when he got off a train to buy tea and missed his train.
He was unable to return home and was forced to work for Durai without pay. During his captivity, Rao was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. His case highlights the issue of forced labor in India, which affects millions of people. The Indian government has laws in place to prevent bonded labor, but enforcement is often lax, and many cases go unreported.
Rao is currently receiving medical treatment and counseling to help him recover from his traumatic experience. Efforts are being made to locate his family in Andhra Pradesh. The District Administration has provided Rao with financial assistance, and he is eligible for additional compensation under the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act. His case serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and action to prevent forced labor and support its victims.
