CHENNAI: More than a week after a 44-year-old pregnant Irular woman and her newborn died in Vellaicate, her family is yet to receive a bonded labourer release certificate, as Kancheepuram revenue officials maintain that the bonded labour allegation has not been established. The woman, Thenmozhi, delivered a baby boy at a shed on September 9. Her family later alleged that they had been forced to work under bonded-labour like conditions.
Based on Kancheepuram collector’s direction, a team of revenue officials conducted an inquiry and submitted its report to the collector a few days ago, sources said. But revenue officials said the inquiry had not established the bonded labour angle.
A relative of Thenmozhi told TNIE that she and her family had been working as tree cutters and they were made to migrate from one place to another to work for contractor Arumugam. “They used to return home at least once a month, but they have not returned home even once in the past 12 months.” As per the complaint submitted by Thenmozhi’s husband Anandhan (45), the couple, their daughter Kavya (19), and her husband Muthu had been working for Arumugam for six months. The family also alleged that Anandhan was denied permission to take Thenmozhi to a hospital for a check-up.
Under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, an advance linked to forced or partly forced labour can constitute bonded debt. In this case, the Rs 20,000 advance paid to the family and the working conditions are among the aspects being examined. Makkal Mandram, which has been pursuing the issue, said the family had received the first instalment of `5 lakh in financial assistance under the SC/ST Act. Sources said Section 3(1)(h) of the SC/ST Act deals with a tribal person being kept as a bonded labourer and claimed that the family could therefore be eligible for a bonded labourer release certificate and related assistance.
Kancheepuram collector said the bonded labour angle had not been established in the case. Police sources said no arrests had been made so far and they are awaiting the detailed postmortem report to ascertain the cause of the deaths.
