The Voice of  Chandigarh 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least six persons from Kendrapara district of Odisha have been held captive by their employer for the last six months in an area near Bangkok in Thailand. Reportedly, the incident came to light on 17th February 2026 when the victims recorded a video describing their plight. They are being confined inside the factory and being subjected to physical as well as mental torture by their employer.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violation of the victims. Therefore, it has sought the comments of the Ministry of External Affairs on whether they could render any assistance to the families of the victims. The response is expected within a week.

According to the media report, carried on 19th February 2026, the victims had gone to Thailand in the month of August last year through a labour contractor, who had promised them a good job with a handsome salary. However, they were forced to work for 12 hours a day in a plywood factory without any salary and proper food. Reportedly, their employer has also confiscated their passports. They have appealed to the government agencies in India to facilitate their return.