Police in Kundapur have arrested Rajani Shetty for allegedly forcing a 65-year-old man from the Koraga community into bonded labour for nearly three decades without paying wages.
The victim, identified as Naga, a resident of Kanyana village, was reportedly made to perform menial tasks at Shetty’s residence in Kabbailu, Hemmady. His duties included cleaning cattle sheds, removing dung, maintaining the house toilet, and other household chores.
Authorities said the victim was forced to live in the cattle shed, keep his food, utensils, and clothes there, and eat in the same area while working continuously without any remuneration for nearly 30 years.
The police team, led by Kundapur DySP H.D. Kulkarni, arrested the accused and produced her in court, which remanded her to judicial custody. She has been lodged in the district prison in Mangaluru.
Additional SP Sudhakar S. Nayak inspected the property, along with officials from the Social Welfare Department, Labour Department, and other local authorities. Authorities have also been directed to rehabilitate the victim and ensure his welfare.
