- विज्ञापन -
Amritsar: Local authorities in Italy’s northern Verona province have freed 33 Indians from bonded labour. Most of the 33 Indians who have been freed are of Punjabi origin. Not only this, but the two accused who have been arrested are also of Punjabi origin. The authorities have also seized 5.45 lakh euros from both the alleged accused. The investigation into the incident began in June. Bonded labour in Italy came into the limelight after an accident in June.
The Punjabi fruit picker Satnam Singh died after his hand was cut off by a machine. Satnam’s hand was cut off after coming under the grip of a strawberry wrapping machine in Lazio, near Rome. After this, he was taken to the hospital, where he died.
According to a Reuters report, the police said that the alleged gang-masters, who were also from India, used to bring fellow citizens to Italy on seasonal work permits. Each bonded labourer was brought here by promising 17,000 euros per month and a better future. But the circumstances changed as soon as they reached here.
According to the police report, the Indians were given work in the fields. They were made to work seven days a week and 10–12 hours per day. They were paid 4 euros per hour. They were made to do bonded labour until they paid off their debts.
The police statement said that some people were promised permanent work permits. For this, an additional 13,000 euros were charged by them. They used to work for free until the full amount was paid.
The police said that a case related to labour exploitation would be filed against the accused for this charge. While the victims will be offered work opportunities and legal residence papers,.
