Telangana SLSA Authorities Rescue Around 500 Bonded Labourers From Brick Kilns in Nizamabad

May 20, 2026 : The Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA), Hyderabad, in coordination with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Nizamabad, conducted a major bonded labour rescue operation at Degaon and Maghidi villages in Armoor Mandal of Nizamabad District on May 19, 2026.

According to a press release issued by Ch. Panchakshari, Member Secretary of TSLSA, two labourers Thupakula Babu from Nellore District in Andhra Pradesh and Sathyaveti Ajith from Tiruvallur District in Tamil Nadu approached the authorities through Mr. Chrysolite Choragudi, Government Relations Manager of International Justice Mission, Hyderabad. The labourers submitted a representation alleging severe exploitation and inhuman conditions at certain brick kiln units in Nizamabad District.

The complainants alleged that they, along with several others, were brought to Telangana after being promised wages for brick kiln work. However, they were allegedly forced to work from 3:00 AM till 11:00 PM without leave, denied wages, kept under surveillance, and prevented from leaving the premises. The representation also alleged physical assault, threats, child labour, sexual violence, and coercion by the owners and supervisors of the brick kilns. It was further alleged that women, children, and disabled children were compelled to work and that labourers were forced to sign blank bond papers.

The labourers sought immediate rescue, protection, criminal action against the accused persons, transportation to their native places, and rehabilitation measures.

The Member Secretary stated that after personally interacting with the labourers, it was revealed that several persons were allegedly working under conditions amounting to bonded labour and were facing exploitative and inhumane treatment. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the complaint was forwarded, pursuant to directions issued by Justice P. Sam Koshy, who is also the Executive Chairman of TSLSA, to the Chairperson of DLSA, Nizamabad, requesting immediate intervention and a rescue operation involving Revenue and Labour Department officials.

Pursuant to these directions, a multi-agency rescue operation was conducted on the morning of May 19, 2026, at three brick kiln units in Armoor Mandal allegedly owned by the same proprietors. The operation was led by Smt. G.V.N. Bharata Laxmi, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, DLSA, Nizamabad, along with Smt. Ponna Sridevi, Chairperson of the Taluka Legal Services Committee, Armoor. Officials from the Revenue Department, Labour Department, Police Department, and members of the media also participated in the operation.

During the rescue operation, one of the alleged brick kiln owners, Kiran Reddy, was reportedly apprehended at the spot. Authorities allegedly found several labourers and their families living in deplorable conditions. The rescued labourers reportedly informed officials that the owners Kiran Reddy, Thirupathi Reddy, and Mallikarjun Reddy kept them at the brick kilns without basic facilities.

With assistance from International Justice Mission and police personnel, the rescued labourers were shifted to Vijaya Lakshmi Function Hall, Armoor, for temporary shelter and enquiry. Food and immediate assistance were also provided to the rescued persons.

The press release further stated that the labourers were allegedly forced to work for nearly eighteen hours a day without adequate accommodation, safe drinking water, medical facilities, or proper food for their children. It was also alleged that children above the age of 13 years were engaged in brick kiln work alongside adults, while some labourers had been subjected to physical and sexual violence. Authorities reportedly found pregnant women and infants at the worksite as well.

According to the press release, approximately 73 families comprising nearly 500 persons, including children and infants, were rescued from the brick kiln units. Revenue officials are presently undertaking documentation and issuing Bonded Labour Release Certificates to the rescued labourers.

The release added that the process for initiating appropriate legal and penal action against the owners and persons responsible for operating the brick kiln units is currently underway.