New Delhi, Feb 23: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that at least six persons from Kendrapara district of Odisha have been held captive by their employer in Thailand for the past six months, officials said on Moday.

The incident reportedly came to light on February 17, when the victims recorded a video message describing their plight.

According to the report published on February 19, the workers had travelled to Thailand in August last year through a labour contractor who promised them lucrative jobs. Instead, they were forced to work in a plywood factory for 12 hours a day without salary or proper food. Their passports were allegedly confiscated by the employer, leaving them confined inside the factory and subjected to physical and mental torture.

The Commission observed that the contents of the report, if true, raise serious concerns of human rights violations. It has sought comments from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on whether assistance could be extended to the families of the victims. The MEA’s response has been requested within a week.

The victims, in their video appeal, urged Indian authorities to intervene and facilitate their safe return. The case highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers who often fall prey to exploitative practices abroad.

NHRC’s intervention underscores the urgency of addressing the plight of Indian workers overseas and ensuring mechanisms for their protection. The Commission has emphasized that the matter requires immediate attention, given the allegations of confinement, torture, and denial of basic rights.

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The incident has sparked concern in Odisha, with families of the victims awaiting government action. Labour migration from Kendrapara and other districts has been common, but cases of exploitation abroad have raised questions about regulation of contractors and safeguards for workers.

As the MEA examines the case, the NHRC’s suo motu action is expected to expedite efforts to secure the release of the workers and ensure accountability of those responsible.