In a startling case that highlights the persistence of modern slavery in India, a man from Uttarakhand has been rescued from bonded labour in Punjab鈥檚 Tarn Taran district after 17 years of captivity. His ordeal came to light after a video filmed in a cowshed caught the attention of Garhwal MP Anil Baluni, who helped initiate his rescue.
The man, Rajesh, left Uttarakhand at the age of 18. For nearly two decades, his family had no knowledge of his whereabouts鈥攗ntil recently, when a YouTuber-activist filmed him living in dire conditions. The footage led to intervention from civil society and political leadership.
Baluni, who saw the viral video, immediately contacted Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to seek help in bringing Rajesh back. However, he credits the real breakthrough to grassroots efforts. Speaking to News18, Baluni said, 鈥淚 haven鈥檛 done much. I just made few calls. The real work was done by a YouTuber Jagjeet Singh and team. It鈥檚 them who took the risk to shoot the video and made us aware of it.鈥
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鈥 Anil Baluni (@anil_baluni) June 25, 2025
Jagjeet Singh, who also runs the NGO that rescued Rajesh, said they acted on a tip-off that claimed three men were being forced to work 鈥20 hours a day.鈥 In a previous statement to The Indian Express, Singh confirmed the operation and added that Rajesh is now receiving medical treatment at Tarn Taran District Hospital.
Baluni called the case a grim reminder of ongoing exploitation in India. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really unfortunate that even today we have to come across cases of bonded labour like this in our country,鈥 he told News18.
Rajesh is currently under medical care, including psychological treatment for the trauma endured during his years in captivity. His return to Uttarakhand is expected once doctors clear him for travel.
While Rajesh鈥檚 story may appear exceptional, it reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern. A 2021 estimate by the Walk Free Foundation placed around 11 million people in India under modern slavery, which includes forced labour and debt bondage. According to Union government data, 315,302 people were released from bonded labour between 1978 and January 2023, with 94 per cent reportedly rehabilitated.
This case serves as a sobering contrast in India鈥檚 growth narrative鈥攚here on one end, Indians are flying to the International Space Station, and on the other, individuals like Rajesh still live and suffer in invisible chains.