Pune: Labour Exploitation Scheme Uncovered in Shirur MIDC, Three Arrested
Shirur, 3rd February 2025: A severe case of labour exploitation has been exposed in Ranjangaon MIDC, where over 50 workers from various states were allegedly held against their will, forced to work without pay, and subjected to physical abuse. The Ranjangaon MIDC police have arrested three individuals and filed charges against a fourth, who remains at large.
The accused, identified as Anand Digambar Waghalkar, Sunil Digambar Waghalkar, Prashant Shravan Salve (all from Shirur), and Akshay Kale (currently absconding), allegedly lured workers from different states with promises of employment and fair wages.
According to police reports, the workers were confined in a room when they demanded their wages on 25th January. The accused would take some workers for jobs, force them to work, and then bring them back to confinement. When ill workers requested money for medical treatment, they were allegedly beaten with plastic pipes by the accused, including supervisor Akshay Kale and food provider Prashant Salve.
The operation was exposed when one worker managed to escape and alerted the Ranjangaon MIDC police. Police Inspector Mahadev Waghmode, along with his team, quickly responded and rescued over 50 workers from the Dhoksangvi location.
The accused have been charged with assault, illegal confinement, and threatening workers. They have been remanded to police custody until Wednesday. Sub-Inspector Avinash Thorat is leading the ongoing investigation.
