In a significant operation against human trafficking, the Turekela police in Bolangir district rescued five migrant workers who were being illegally transported to another state. The workers were intercepted while en route from Bariyali and Gaindimal villages to Lathore railway station.
The police arrested two individuals, Satyanarayan Chiragun (46) from Gaindimal and Indra Meher (49) from Pipalbahal village under Lathore police limits. Both were charged under case number 286/2025 and produced in court.
Authorities also seized the vehicle used for transporting the workers, an Artika van. Turekela Station Officer Rakesh Behera confirmed the arrests and the rescue operation, stating that the workers were safely handed over to their families.
Local agents often lure workers with advance payments after Nuakhai, sending them to other states for labor. However, some agents operate illegally, bypassing regulations and exploiting the workers. This time, police acted swiftly to prevent the trafficking.
The incident underscores the ongoing issue of migrant labor trafficking in the region. Authorities continue to monitor and dismantle such illegal networks to protect vulnerable workers.
