Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that at least six workers from Odisha’s Kendrapara district have been held captive by their employer in Thailand for the past six months.
The reported incident surfaced on February 17 after the workers recorded and circulated a video detailing their ordeal. They claimed their employer confined them inside a factory near Bangkok and subjected them to physical and mental torture.
Taking serious note of the report, the Commission observed that, if the allegations prove true, they point to a grave violation of human rights. The NHRC has sought a detailed report from the Ministry of External Affairs and asked whether the government can extend assistance to the affected families. The Commission expects a response within one week, according to an official statement.
According to the report published on February 19, the six workers had travelled to Thailand in August last year through a labour contractor who promised them well-paying jobs. Instead, they allege that they now work 12-hour shifts daily at a plywood factory without receiving any salary or proper food.
The workers further alleged that their employer confiscated their passports, leaving them stranded and unable to return home. In their video message, they appealed to Indian authorities to intervene and facilitate their safe return to Odisha.
Family members in Kendrapara have expressed deep concern over the situation and urged the government to take swift diplomatic action.
