In late 2024, when Sapna’s family of four, including the 11-year-old girl, migrated from Banda, U.P., in search of work, they were hoping for a better life. Instead, they were trapped.

Lured by a middleman promising the parents good wages, the family was taken to a brick kiln in Gwalior. The kiln owner forced the entire family to work 12 to 14 hours a day under harsh conditions resulting in verbal abuse and assault when they resisted. Sapna was also made to do household chores at the owner's home, which left burn marks on her hands.

Wages of only INR 1000 were paid per week for subsistence, a small fraction of what the middleman promised them. Only one member of the family was allowed to leave the site at a time to prevent escape. When her parents couldn’t take it anymore, they sought to leave. They were told they owed INR 57,000 in debt, though they had borrowed nothing. The owner refused to release anyone until the amount was paid. In desperation, Sapna’s family fled one night, leaving her behind when the owner caught her during the escape.

When Zenith learned of this, in January 2025, we acted quickly. Though her parents were too afraid to go to the police, our team coordinated with the Child Helpline and local authorities to ensure Sapna’s rescue. She was finally reunited with her family, shaken but safe.

An emotional reunion

We call our readers to action: speak to persons around you to ascertain if they or anyone they know has found themselves in a similar situation of bonded labour. Here are some steps that can be taken in such cases.

• :chats-circle Ask: Develop trust and ask discreet, respectful questions to understand the person's working and living conditions: hours, freedom of movement, and fair pay conditions.

• :file-magnifying-glass Document evidence: Note down names, addresses, and any details of the employer or worksite. Photos (if safe) and testimonies can also be crucial.

• :phone-call Contact authorities: Call the National Helpline for Bonded Labour (1800-345-5500) or the Childline (1098) for urgent responses.

• :stamp Report Locally: Inform the nearest police station, Sub-District Magistrate (SDM), or Labour Department: they are legally required to act under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act. If the authorities don’t take action, writing an official complaint through email to the SDM and other authorities with all the specific details is recommended. This makes the complaint official and obliges the authorities to take action.

• :hand-heart Seek NGO Support: Connect with local workers' rights groups or legal aid organisations to ensure follow-up and protection for victims.

However, sometimes it takes more to do just this. These are tricky situations where lives are at stake. Rescues should always be done with the police for your own safety with the procedures deemed necessary by law. Cases of bonded labour are often an embarrassment for the authorities and are therefore downplayed, necessitating professional help.