Bonded Labor in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (2024)

A bonded labor case from 2024 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 1 source on file.

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What happened

Bonded labourers trapped at a brick kiln after taking an advance from the owner. Workers reported receiving no wages and being prevented from leaving the worksite while being forced to work to repay the advance. Accused: Kiln and mill owners perpetuating bonded labor system.

Response and intervention

Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission. Release certificates issued; owners fined. International Justice Mission India.

Sources

IJM (opens in a new tab)

Nearby cases

All 23 in India →

Forced Labor2011

Ponneri, Tiruvallur District, India, 2011

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According to India Times, the owner of the SLG Brick Chamber, Neela Krishna Mohan Rao, procured workers, including whole familes, from a middleman, for "advances" ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 rupees. The laborers were made to work inside the brick chamber from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m, and during the rest of the day, to form bricks and dry them under the sun before placing them in the chamber to burn. According to the India Times, the workers were housed in small huts; many were sick and malnourished; and some had scars and other evidence of torture. The workers alleged they were tortured if they attempted to flee.

Needs a sourceArchive 2008–2016

Forced Labor2010

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 2010

India IN

International Justice Mission and local law enforcement teamed up to perform a raid on the Powerhouse rice mill.

1 sourceArchive 2008–2016

Bonded Labor2024

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 2024

India IN

Entire families trapped in bonded labor at rice mills. Inter-generational debt passed from parents to children. Accused: Rice mill owners holding hereditary debts.

1 source