In a late-night operation on Thursday, September 25, a dedicated team comprising volunteers from the Rural Organization for Poverty Eradication Services (ROPES), alongside Revenue and Police officials, successfully liberated 23 bonded laborers from brick kilns located in Getrallamitta, Nangamangalam, within Chittoor district’s Gudipala mandal.
This group of rescued individuals included 18 workers who hailed from Tamil Nadu, with the remaining five being from the Bangarupalem mandal, also in Chittoor district. Authorities revealed that these eight families had endured horrific exploitation, toiling in the brick kilns under forced labor for more than a decade.
The rescue mission was launched under the direct orders of District Collector Sumit Kumar and Joint Collector G. Vidyadhari. The field operation was skillfully spearheaded by K. Dhanasekharan, chairperson of ROPES, and the Tehsildar of Gudipala mandal. Following their liberation, all 23 individuals were transported to the Gudipala MRO office. There, they received immediate care, including temporary shelter, nourishing food, much-needed haircuts, new clothing, and a relief payment of ₹5,000 per family. Revenue Divisional Officer M. Srinivasulu also promptly provided them with official release certificates, marking their freedom.
The very next morning, Friday, September 26, ROPES volunteers ensured the safe return of these families to their homes in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, and Bangarupalem, Chittoor district. Dr. Dhanasekharan affirmed that ROPES would continue its support by providing dry rations to the families for the upcoming weeks. He also committed to collaborating closely with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a robust long-term rehabilitation program for all the victims.
Further solidifying the commitment to their future, the Joint Collector pledged comprehensive government support for the rescued families, encompassing crucial rehabilitation initiatives and ensuring access to education for their children, offering a beacon of hope after years of hardship.