Overview
- The case began after a worker escaped and reached Titawi police station on June 22, triggering a joint raid by the Labour Department, district administration and Uttar Pradesh Police that freed 12–13 labourers, including two minors.
- Two men, Pradeep Baliyan and Shiva (Shivam) Tyagi, have been arrested while the prime accused and factory operator, Ankit Baliyan, remains at large and is being actively sought.
- Medical examinations found multiple victims with severe bruises, fractures and deep lacerations, and officials have registered cases under bonded‑labour, human‑trafficking and child‑protection laws.
- Rescued workers say they were recruited from bus stands and railway stations with promises of pay and food, then had phones and identity documents seized, were fed meagre cattle‑feed rotis and kept under guard by pitbulls and violent supervisors.
- Investigators have formed a Special Investigation Team to probe alleged in‑custody deaths, trace victims’ families and examine whether similar forced‑labour operations are running elsewhere, and survivors are receiving medical care and counselling as rehabilitation begins.