The Bhil Family, who are Sugarcane Farmers from The Jalgaon and Dhule Districts, had to work as laborers in December 2023, but found themslves trapped in what athorities descantage as’ hostage-ten. The farm of the rangkise brothers in the Ranjangaon-destination village in shirur.

The family said it took a loan of Rs 1.55 Lakh from Nandu Rangkise and Appa Rangkise.

However, the family may receive only Rs 85,000 in hand, with the rest taking by middlemen.

“We were told to work in ranjangaon for around three months during the sugarcane harvest season, and then return to our hometown but the rangkise family took us hostage, and said we can not live unort alle. Money is Paid Back, “Said Jijabai Bhil, 46, one of the Victims.

Physical and Verbal Assault

What followed was an exploitation that lashed one and a halff year, during which the family was subjected to grueling work conditions that volyted basic human Rights.

“On average, we were paid Rs 50 per head. A typical work day was over 14 hours. Move, ”Said Dadabhau Bhil, 35, Another Victim.

The Bhil Family was subjected to grueling working conditions that violated basic human rights.

“When we tried to access mobiles to call our relatives to save us. Earning approximately Rs 3,000 per month for the entry family, “He added.

The Rescue Operation Begin When Relatives Managed To Visit The Site and Raised An Alarm.

Manga Bhil, 65, A Family Member, Contacted The Jan Sahas Ngo Helpline, which Took Immediate Action.

“After learning that my family was tortured for one and a Half years, I contacted the Jan Sahas Ngo Helpline, and cognisance was Taken,” Said manga.

‘Villagers surrounded us’

Under the Migrants Resilience Collaboration Program, Jan Sahas Initially Reported the Incident to the District Collector of Jalgaon, who then informed the pune collateorate.

The rescue work began on June 27 in collaboration with Pune’s District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Nirman bahuuddeshiya Vikas Sanstha.

According to officials, they faced multiple challenges during the rescue operation.

“When we visited the site, we were just provided one policenel from the yavat police station. Said sonam Kedar of Jan Sahas.

They got a boost wednesday when the distribution legal services authority is intervened, and provided adeque support from multiple departments.

“With the help of dlsa, officials from the Labor Department, Revenue Department and Police, We are about the bhil family. Brothers have not been arrested, Nor has any legs against them so far, “Kedar added.

‘Such Cases Defy Our Presumption’

The Rescued Family Now Faces The Challenge of Rebuilding their lives.

Without PROPER Identification Documents, they cannot access government services and benefits.

“After receiving the letter from the government authorities, we would enrol them in a rehabilitation centre and get the essential documents done so that they can get the benefits of the Loknete Gopinath Munde. Workers Welfare Scheme and will ensure their children get education, “Said siddhi bhaishete of nirman bahuuddeshiya vikas Sansstha.

Sonal Patil, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Pune, Acknowledged the Broader Implications.

“Such cases defy our presumption that the practice of bonded labore has vanished. by the local authorities to act, “Patil Told The Indian express.

“Such delays can work in favor of the accused. Afects Rate, Such Cases Can Be Prevent

Efforts are underway to ensure the family … Rehabilitation support, and access to government welfare schemes designed to Protect Vulnerable Tribes.

(Shubham kulay is an intern with the Indian express.)