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NHRC Rescues Six Odisha Workers Held Captive, Tortured in Thailand Factory

The National Human Rights Commission's prompt action led to the rescue of six Indian workers from Odisha who were held captive and tortured in a Thai plywood factory. Four of the workers have been successfully repatriated to India following the NHRC's communication with the Ministry of External Affairs. The remaining two rescued individuals are currently undergoing legal proceedings in Thailand for overstaying their visas, with Indian authorities assisting. The workers had traveled to Thailand last August after being promised good jobs, only to be forced into unpaid labor with confiscated passports.

Key Points: NHRC Rescues Indian Workers from Captivity in Thailand

  • Swift NHRC intervention
  • Four workers already repatriated
  • Two facing visa legalities
  • Victims lured by false job promises
2 min read

NHRC intervention results in rescue of six Odisha workers held captive in Thailand

Six workers from Odisha rescued from Thai factory after NHRC intervention. Four repatriated, two facing visa issues. Read about the torture and captivity.

"they were being confined inside a factory, subjected to physical and mental torture, and denied wages and adequate food - Rescued Workers"

New Delhi, March 7

The National Human Rights Commission on Saturday said its suo motu intervention has resulted in the swift rescue of six Indian workers from Odisha's Kendrapara district who were allegedly facing torture while being held captive by their employer in Thailand for several months.

The apex human rights body said that four of the workers were repatriated to India the very next day after the NHRC communicated the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on February 20, 2026. They reached Kolkata by a flight booked by their employer from Bangkok.

According to the Commission, the MEA's Southern Division has informed that efforts are underway to repatriate the remaining two rescued workers who are currently facing legal proceedings due to overstaying their visa in Thailand. The Centre is pursuing the matter with Thai immigration authorities.

The NHRC said that after taking cognisance of a media report on February 20, it had sought comments from the MEA on whether assistance could be extended to the families of the six workers. Acting promptly upon receiving the communication, the MEA's Southern Division approached the Thai authorities seeking their rescue and also contacted the owner of the company where the workers were reportedly employed.

It may be recalled that the Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that at least six Indian workers from Odisha's Kendrapara district had been held captive by their employer without salary and proper food for the last six months in an area near Bangkok.

The incident came to light on February 17, after the victims recorded a video message describing their plight. In the video, they alleged that they were being confined inside a factory, subjected to physical and mental torture, and denied wages and adequate food.

Reportedly, the workers had travelled to Thailand in August last year through a labour contractor who had promised them employment with a good salary. However, upon reaching the country, they were allegedly forced to work for nearly 12 hours a day in a plywood factory without payment of wages or proper food.

They also alleged that their employer had confiscated their passports and appealed to Indian authorities to facilitate their safe return to the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking to read. These poor men went for a better life and ended up in a nightmare. Thank God for the video message that brought this to light. We need more awareness in villages about such frauds.
R
Rahul R
Swift action this time, which is commendable. But how many such cases go unreported? Our embassies need a more proactive system to check on Indian workers abroad, especially in sectors known for exploitation.
A
Aman W
The contractor who sent them should be identified and punished severely. This is human trafficking, plain and simple. Jai Hind to the officials who worked on this rescue.
N
Nisha Z
While I'm glad for the rescue, I hope the government also helps the two facing legal issues. They are victims, not criminals. Their visas were likely held by the employer. The system should show them some compassion.
D
David E
Working in development, I see this pattern often. Economic desperation drives migration into risky situations. India needs massive job creation in states like Odisha to prevent this. Rescue is a band-aid, we need a cure.

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