Muzaffarnagar bonded labour rescue exposes alleged murder, horrific abuse

The rescue of 12 bonded labourers from a paper plate manufacturing factory in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar has uncovered brutal abuse, including the suspected torture and death of a worker whose body was allegedly disposed of after being packed in a bag.

Bonded labour case widens

The fresh allegations surfaced during the investigation into a bonded labour case that came to light after authorities raided a factory in Mandi village under Titawi police station limits on June 22. During the operation, officials rescued 12 labourers, including minors, who were being forced to work under inhuman conditions.

Also Read: After Lucknow fire, UP seals dozens of coaching centres, libraries across districts

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Kumar on Thursday (June 25) said one of the workers, identified as Arjun, allegedly died in November 2025 after being subjected to torture at the factory. According to police, his body was later packed into a bag and dumped.

New case lodged

A fresh case has been registered against factory owner Ankit Balyan and Shiva Tyagi in connection with the allegations. While Tyagi has been arrested, Balyan remains on the run. Police said two teams have been formed to track down the factory owner.

An SIT has also been constituted to investigate the case and gather evidence.

Worker's death under probe

The rescued workers have undergone medical examinations and are receiving treatment. Their statements have been recorded before a magistrate. Authorities are also working on their rehabilitation, including facilitating government assistance, opening bank accounts and reuniting them with their families.

Officials said contact has been established with the families of four labourers, while efforts are underway to trace the relatives of the others.

Also Read: Fire breaks out at Lucknow commercial building: 14 dead, CM Adityanath visits site

According to investigators, the labourers had been brought to the factory from different states after being promised a monthly salary of Rs 12,000. However, they were allegedly not paid wages and were confined inside the premises for more than a year.

The probe has revealed that the workers were allowed only food while being forced to continue working. Several of those rescued bore visible injuries and torture marks. They told investigators that attempts to leave the factory often resulted in violent punishment.

Accounts of torture emerge

Some labourers alleged they were beaten, whipped, stabbed with spears, attacked by dogs and even fed animal fodder during their confinement.

Police have already registered a case against Ankit Balyan, Pradeep Balyan and Shiva Tyagi under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Pradeep Balyan and Tyagi have been arrested, while Ankit Balyan remains absconding.

The case also drew a sharp political response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who described the alleged treatment of the workers as an "assault on human dignity".

Rahul Gandhi reacts

"The case of bonded labour among workers in Muzaffarnagar is utterly shocking.

"In addition to forcing them to work without wages, the workers were bitten by dogs, stabbed with spears, whipped, and fed animal fodder. This is an assault on human dignity — victims must receive justice along with rehabilitation, and the perpetrators the harshest possible punishment," said Rahul.

Also Read: Lucknow blaze exposes revoked demolition order, illegal use of building

Calling the episode a reflection of deeper economic distress, Gandhi added: "This is no ordinary criminal incident - it is the rubble of a crumbling economy."

"When jobs dry up, incomes stall, and safeguards like MGNREGA and labour laws meant for the most vulnerable sections are weakened, desperation only mounts. Those with no other options or protections become easy prey to such exploitation," he added. (With agency inputs)