Bhubaneswar: Four labourers from Kendrapara district, who went to Thailand in search of work to support their families, are now trapped in dire conditions and have made an emotional video appeal for immediate intervention by the Central and State governments to bring them home.
The workers — Khirod Das from Gobang village, Manoj Mallick from Poijharia village, Kailash Sethy from Nahuni village, and Nityananda Mallick from Padanipal village along with one worker from Uttar Pradesh named Pasi Rajkumdal, have been employed at a plywood company in Sanbhi Vinar of Kabin Buri district of Thailand for more than a year.
According to their video statement, the company owner had taken them to Thailand on tourist visas. They received regular salaries for the first nine months. However, for the past four months, they have not been paid any wages. The workers claim they are now facing severe hunger, often going without food or surviving on minimal meals once a day.
Kailash Sethy is reportedly seriously ill, with swelling in his hands and legs, but the company owner has refused to provide any medical assistance. The workers revealed through the video that they have no money left and their passports and visas have expired.
In the video, the distressed labourers alleged that the company owner is threatening them. If they refuse to work, he warns of handing them over to the police. They also claim to have received death threats. The owner has reportedly told them that he will arrange their return only after they clear certain payments.
With no passports in their possession and no financial support, the workers are living in fear and desperation. They have made an urgent appeal through the video, requesting both the Central and Odisha governments to intervene immediately and facilitate their safe return to India.