NHRC sends notice to UP govt over plight of bonded labour in Muzaffarnagar

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken 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.

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

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In the notice, the Commission has directed 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 directed the immediate registration of the labourers on the e-Shram Portal as per its Advisory 2.0 dated December 8, 2021.

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 ongoing to ascertain if there were more deaths.

According to the media report carried on 25 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.