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**Summary:**

A tragic case of bonded labor in Andhra Pradesh has come to light, resulting in the death of a nine-year-old boy, M. Venkatesh. His mother, Mannepalli Ankamma, from a tribal community, took an advance from a duck farmer, N. Muthu, and when she couldn’t repay it, Muthu took Venkatesh as collateral. The boy was later found dead, with the post-mortem report indicating blunt force trauma. Muthu and his family have been arrested, and murder charges have been added. This incident highlights the continuing problem of bonded labor in Andhra Pradesh, particularly affecting marginalized communities like the Yanadis. Activists and experts are calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws, better rehabilitation for victims, and a more comprehensive system for identifying and rescuing bonded laborers. They point out the lack of a clear protocol in Andhra Pradesh, contrasting it with states like Tamil Nadu. The case also underscores the deep-seated poverty and vulnerability of tribal communities, making them susceptible to exploitation.

**News Article:**

**Tragedy Exposes Bonded Labor Crisis: Boy Dies After Being Held as Collateral in Andhra Pradesh**

**Tirupati, May 31, 2025** – The death of a nine-year-old boy in Andhra Pradesh has brought the issue of bonded labor back into sharp focus, exposing the continued exploitation of vulnerable communities in the region. M. Venkatesh was allegedly held as “collateral” by a duck farmer, N. Muthu, after his mother, Mannepalli Ankamma, was unable to repay a debt.

Ankamma, a member of a tribal community, had taken an advance of ₹15,000 from Muthu in exchange for labor. When she couldn’t repay, Muthu allegedly took Venkatesh away and inflated the debt to ₹42,000. The boy was forced to work tending ducks in Tamil Nadu.

Tragically, Venkatesh died while in Muthu’s custody. A post-mortem examination revealed he suffered blunt force trauma to the head, leading to murder charges against Muthu, his wife, and son.

“I knew it was my boy though he had become unrecognisable,” said Ankamma.

This case highlights the ongoing problem of bonded labor in Andhra Pradesh, a practice outlawed decades ago. According to the Vetti Vimochana Coalition, an NGO, 402 people have been rescued from bonded labor in the state since January 2023, many from the marginalized Yanadi community.

Activists are criticizing the Andhra Pradesh government for its lack of a robust system for identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating bonded laborers, contrasting it with states like Tamil Nadu that have clearer protocols. Raavi Sunil Kumar, of the Vetti Vimochana Coalition, stated, “There is no Standard Operating Procedure or State action plan for the identification, rescue and rehabilitation of bonded labourers in Andhra Pradesh.”

Experts are calling for stronger enforcement of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, better support for victims, and a nodal department to handle rescue operations. They emphasize the need to address the underlying poverty and social inequalities that make communities like the Yanadis vulnerable to exploitation.

Authorities are currently considering providing the family with financial assistance and a housing site. The investigation is ongoing.

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