Nagpur: In a swift and decisive operation, Nagpur Police under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal on Saturday rescued 38 labourers from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, including 23 women, 5 adult men, and 9 minors (3 girls and 6 boys below 18 years), who had been lured into trafficking and bonded labour.
The labourers, promised local employment, were instead transported far from their homes and handed over to a trafficker, who demanded ₹1.5 lakh as “arrangement cost,” forcibly recovered small advances, and threatened them with harm if they resisted.
The rescue was initiated after one of the victims secretly kept a mobile phone and managed to alert relatives, who contacted NGO Pradeepan. Acting immediately on this information, Nagpur Police intervened, secured the victims, and ensured their safety. After being dropped at Nagpur Railway Station, the trafficker confronted the group again, forcibly extorted ₹57,000, and tried to intimidate them further. Despite this, the victims arranged their return journey to Chhindwara, while police have launched strict legal proceedings under Bonded Labour and Human Trafficking laws against the accused.
Speaking on the incident, CP Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal said, "Human trafficking is one of the gravest violations of human dignity. Our swift action ensured 38 innocent lives, including minors, were saved from exploitation. We are working hard to apprehend every accused involved and will take the strictest possible action. Through Operation Shakti, Nagpur Police is conducting targeted drives against trafficking, bonded labour, and exploitation of vulnerable groups. This case reflects our zero-tolerance approach. We appeal to citizens and NGOs to remain vigilant and report such activities so that together we can build a city free of exploitation."
Nagpur Police has reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring justice. The rescue underscores the importance of timely intervention, coordination with NGOs, and the force’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding human rights and public confidence.
