Belpada: A migrant labourer died Sunday at Sulekela village under this tehsil in Bolangir district. The deceased has been identified as Kanhu Mallick. He had recently returned from a brick kiln in Telangana. The deceased’s family alleged that Kanhu was frequently tortured by the owner of the brick kiln. They added that the person has kept his 10-year-old daughter captive. Kanhu is survived by his wife and two daughters. Other residents informed that the brick kiln owner had demanded a hefty sum from Kanhu to release his daughter. They added that despite Kanhu giving Rs 50,000 to the owner, his daughter was not released. They said that Kanhu was also beaten up badly and forced to leave the place. With no other option, Kanhu had to return to his village. The family of Kanhu and other residents of the village staged a demonstration in front of the tehsil office here. They demanded the local administration look into the matter and bring the minor back from Telangana.
According to a source, Kanhu had gone to Telangana along with his family to earn a living. He was allegedly being tortured by the employer and later fell sick. Despite sickness, the owner made Kanhu work for long hours and also did not give him proper food, other co-workers alleged. Subsequently, the owner released Kanhu, but kept his minor daughter as ‘mortgage’. Locals said that Kanhu had sold his only piece land to bring his daughter back.