Four young labourers from Odisha wrongfully confined in baking unit rescued

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 13, 2015 : Four teenagers including a minor girl from Odisha who were   wrongfully confined in a  bakery products manufacturing unit  of Cream Caramel Bakers  at Arya Samaj Road, were rescued in an operation conducted by Child  Labour Department officials as well as  CWC, Child Line,  police officials and social activists on January 13, Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

If three of the rescued youngsters were 17 years of age, another girl was aged around 12 and all of them were reportedly not only  made to work in the baking unit but also as domestic helps in the residence of the owners. It has also been alleged that the youngsters were not even allowed to go out and telephone their family but were also not given any break even after long hours of work. Sources said the rescued labourers were also not given their  salaries.

Social activist Vidya Dinker who was present during the raid  said the labourers were made to work under inhuman conditions. She also demanded that  the owners be booked under Section 370 of the IPC and also under the Bonded Labour Act. She said it has come to light that the girl aged 12 who was initially working in the baking unit was shifted to the residence of the owners and demanded action against the owners under Juvenile Justice Act.

Labour Officer Mylarappa said the labourers will be subject to medical examination to ascertain their age and general health.

The outlet of Cream Caramel  located at a petrol bunk near Navabharat Circle is owned by Denzil Fernandes and Premraj Shetty.