Four Migrant Workers Rescued from Illegal Confinement in Malda, West Bengal

SILIGURI, August 25, 2026: Four migrant workers from the Hansqua area were rescued by Malda Police on August 24 after allegedly being held against their will for four days by an agent following a dispute over unpaid wages.

The workers had travelled to Haryana in search of employment after allegedly being promised regular wages, food and accommodation. They were identified as Leparu Minj and Suben Toppo of Baraijote, Hansqua; Mugdo Toppo of Munni Pacca Line; and Rajesh Lakra of Niche Dangi.

(Click Here to follow Catholic Connect for regular News and Content)

According to the account provided by their families, the four men were taken for employment on May 13 by local agent Upen Barman of Gosaipur, Bagdogra. They were subsequently handed over to another agent in Malda and taken to Panipat in Haryana, where they were promised a monthly wage of ₹10,000 along with food and accommodation.

The workers reportedly began work on May 15. However, they alleged that they did not receive the promised wages for the following three months and were given only ₹500 a month as pocket money.

After refusing to continue working, the workers returned to Malda to seek payment of their outstanding wages. They were allegedly confined by the agent from August 21 to 24 and were told not to contact anyone. The agent allegedly demanded ₹2,24,221 from them and threatened them with serious consequences.

One of the workers managed to send out a message and share their location, enabling Malda Police to trace and rescue them on the evening of August 24.

Meanwhile, after being informed of the situation, the families approached Bagdogra Police Station and lodged an FIR. Police arrested Barman and coordinated with Malda Police for the rescue of the four workers.

The rescued men were kept under police protection until their relatives arrived. Three police personnel accompanied a relative on the overnight journey to Malda to bring the workers back. They reached Bagdogra Police Station at around 5 a.m. on August 25.

Later that morning, Sr Teresa Dorjee, SCSC, accompanied one of the relatives to the police station. After completing the necessary procedures, the four workers underwent medical examinations and were handed over to their families.

The arrest of the local agent was followed by his production before a court for further legal proceedings. The Officer-in-Charge of Bagdogra Police Station assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

The rescue has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of migrant workers from tea-garden communities who depend on intermediaries to find employment in distant parts of the country. The incident highlights the risks of wage exploitation, illegal confinement and trafficking faced by workers who migrate without adequate information or safeguards.

The successful intervention followed cooperation between the workers, their families and police authorities in Bagdogra and Malda. The four men have since returned safely to their families.

The incident has renewed calls for greater awareness among migrant workers about employment agents, wages and working conditions, as well as timely reporting of suspected exploitation and stronger coordination among communities and law-enforcement agencies.

By Sr. Teresa Dorjee SCSC, Siliguri