Menace believed to be prevalent in brick kilns, gaushalas and farms

It took Ramanna (name changed) and his family 10 years to break free from bonded labour. Ramanna was forced to work for a meagre wage of ₹300 per week in a brick kiln in Chamundipura in Ramanagara to clear a loan.

He was rescued three years ago, and is one of the fortunate few to have regained his freedom. Thousands of bonded labourers are believed to be worked to the bone in brick kilns, gaushalas and farms in rural Bengaluru, Kolar, Chikkabellapur, Mysuru, Bidar and Tumakuru districts.