Pune: 27 Sugarcane Workers Rescued from Bonded Labour in Daund, Sent Back to Native Villages

Daund, 31st October 2025: A total of 27 sugarcane workers and their family members have been rescued from alleged bonded labour conditions at a farm in Mauje Rahu (Madhavnagar), Daund taluka. The operation was carried out by the District Legal Services Committee, Pune, in coordination with the district administration, police, and labour department.

The action followed a complaint filed by Nana Jadhav of Manewadi (Kopargaon taluka, Ahilyanagar district), who stated that he and nine other members of his family, along with several others, were being held hostage and forced to work by the landowner, Hiraman Ganpat Gadhave. The complaint alleged that the workers were beaten, abused, harassed, and that women were disrespected, while being denied permission to return to their native villages.

Taking serious cognizance of the complaint, the District Legal Services Committee, Pune, formed a special team comprising Advocate Devbhakt Mahapure, Advocate Sunil Mhaske, and Deepak Pawar. The team, along with officials from the local revenue department, police, labour office, NGO workers, and other concerned authorities, visited the site and conducted the rescue operation.

During the joint action, 27 workers and their families were released, and a case was registered against Hiraman Ganpat Gadhave at the Yavat Police Station under The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.
Following their release, the rescued workers were provided with official certificates and arranged transport to return to their native villages.

The operation was completed on October 29, 2025, under the guidance of District Collector Jitendra Dudi.