12 UP labourers stranded in Kyrgyzstan, families allege inhuman treatment: 'Worse than animals'

The labourers were sent to Kyrgyzstan by a local recruitment agency about 3 months back. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

At least 12 labourers from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit, who went to Kyrgyzstan nearly three months ago for job, are reportedly stranded in the central Asian nation. The families of these stranded men have alleged that they are being tortured abroad.

The labourers have been sending video messages to their families, appealing for rescue.

According to the family members of the stranded labourers, a local recruitment agency sent these men to Kyrgyzstan about three months back. They are reportedly forced to work in different cities and denied proper meals.

Some have even claimed that the men were being beaten and treated 'worse than animals'.

The workers — identified as Ravi Kumar, Ajay, Chandrapal, Santram, Rohit, Ramesh, Harswaroop, Shyamcharan, Sanjeev, Prempal, Ramasare and Harishankar — reportedly paid about Rs 2.5 lakh and were sent on a 59-day visa with 'misleading contracts'.

The relatives of the stranded have reached out to the local administrative officials and police for assistance. Earlier this week, several family members met District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh and SP Abhishek Yadav.

Talking note of the case, the Pilibhit district administration sent a detailed report to the Uttar Pradesh Home Department regarding the case of 12 labourers from the district.

"Information about all 12 persons stranded in Kyrgyzstan has been compiled and sent to the government so that the due process can be initiated for their safe return," DM Singh told news agency PTI.

The administration’s report will help the state government initiate steps for their repatriation, he added.