"Escape to Freedom: 100 Tribal Workers from Jharkhand Brave Oppression, Flee Tamil Nadu Textile Factory"

Migrant Adivasi Workers from Jharkhand Allege Assault and Non-Payment of Wages at Tamil Nadu Factory

A group of migrant Adivasi workers from Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district have faced physical assault and non-payment of wages at a textile factory in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, leading to their return home over the past two days.

According to Anil Samad, a worker from Chakradharpur, issues with food, rules, and staff behavior escalated into physical assault when workers expressed their desire to leave the factory. The workers alleged that they were warned against leaving and faced assault when tensions rose.

Another worker, Manki Hessa, shared his experience of being beaten by factory staff after a work-related disagreement, resulting in injuries that required medical attention. Women employees also reported facing harassment and physical assault, with one worker, Priska Horo, detailing an incident where she was allegedly mishandled and beaten when trying to leave the premises.

The workers, who had to arrange their own travel expenses back to Jharkhand, highlighted the non-payment of wages and the challenges they faced in escaping the factory. Nearly half of the 250-300 Jharkhand workers at the unit have returned home, with others expected to follow in the coming days.

Following the circulation of videos depicting the workers' plight on social media, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has taken cognisance of the situation and directed the administration to investigate the case. The Labour Department has been coordinating the return of the workers after the matter was reported to the state Migrant Control Room.

Shubham Tigga, a Correspondent at The Indian Express, who focuses on infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy, provided critical insights into the challenges faced by the workers. With expertise in civil aviation, urban mobility, and workers' unions, Tigga's reporting sheds light on the impact of transit and commercial sectors on citizens' daily lives.

Tigga, an alumnus of the Asian College of Journalism, brings a unique perspective to his reporting, particularly on Indigenous issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles. His field experience in Chhattisgarh enables him to analyze the socio-economic impact of infrastructure projects with accuracy and nuance.

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