Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 2nd July 2026

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reports about 12 bonded labourers being assaulted in captivity and forced to work till midnight without sufficient food and wages for nearly one and a half years at a factory in the Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh

The Commission issues notices to the state Chief Secretary and DGP, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

Directs the Muzaffarnagar District Magistrate to inquire into the matter as per the Standard Operating Procedure of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976

The Commission also directs immediate registration of labourers on the e-Shram Portal as per its Advisory 2.0 dated 8th December 2021

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about 12 bonded labourers being assaulted in captivity and forced to work till midnight without sufficient food and wages for nearly one and a half years at a paper plate manufacturing factory in Mandi village in the Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly, one of the labourers managed to escape from the factory and a complaint was filed with the Titawi Police Station, leading to the rescue of the other labourers. Their medical examination disclosed multiple injuries, including bruises, cuts, fractures and signs of prolonged physical abuse. Reportedly, the police found that one person has also died. The investigations are on to ascertain if there were more deaths.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. It has also directed the Muzaffarnagar District Magistrate to inquire into the matter as per the Standard Operating Procedure of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and in light of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. It has also directed immediate action for the registration of the labourers on the e-Shram Portal and as prescribed under the NHRC Advisory 2.0 dated 8th December 2021.

According to the media report carried on 25th June 2026, the victims belonged to different states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and a few from Nepal. Reportedly, they were lured from railway stations, bus stands and other public places on the pretext of providing employment, regular wages, food and accommodation. After reaching the factory, their mobile phones and identity documents were allegedly confiscated, preventing them from contacting their families. Allegedly, pit bull dogs were used to intimidate the labourers and prevent them from escaping.

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