Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 1st October 2026

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of report on 12-member Uttar Pradesh family allegedly kept as bonded labourers for nearly a year at a construction facility in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana

Reportedly, the rescued bonded labourers lived in hazardous and unsanitary conditions, denied proper wages and subjected to abuse and movement restrictions

The Commission issues notices to the Telangana Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Medchal-Malkajgiri District Magistrate and Cyberabad Commissioner of Police

Status of 12 rescued victims, investigation, release certificates, financial assistance and long-term rehabilitation plan sought

The Commission directs Medchal-Malkajgiri District Magistrate to take time-bound, victim-centric action

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding a 12-member family from Uttar Pradesh, who were allegedly kept as bonded labourers for nearly a year at a construction facility in Bachupally, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Hyderabad, Telangana. When rescued, they were reportedly found being paid meagre wages and made to work seven days a week, facing physical and verbal abuse while living in hazardous and unsanitary conditions.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the labourers. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Telangana Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Medchal-Malkajgiri District Magistrate and Cyberabad Commissioner of Police, calling for a detailed report on the matter within four weeks.

The report is expected to include the status and whereabouts of all 12 rescued victims and the steps taken for their immediate safety, shelter, food and medical care. It shall also include details of the FIR registered against the employer and any other responsible persons, along with the status of the investigation. The Commission also directed the Medchal-Malkajgiri District Magistrate to ensure that the entire process of release and rehabilitation is conducted in a time-bound and victim-centric manner.

The report sought from the authorities is also expected to include confirmation of the issuance of Bonded Labour Release Certificates to all eligible victims and provide details of the immediate financial assistance of up to Rs. 30,000 paid to each victim under the Central Sector Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2021. It shall further include a comprehensive plan for the long-term rehabilitation of the victims, including their repatriation to Uttar Pradesh, if they so desire, in coordination with the authorities in the State.

According to the media report, carried on 30th September 2026, the movement of the bonded labourers was restricted and their belongings were locked away by a supervisor. They were rescued by Revenue and Labour officials following a complaint by social workers.

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