Wed Oct 08 11:57:55 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A 19-year-old migrant worker from Assam, Jamal Khan, was rescued from exploitative working conditions in Madurai, India, by human rights advocates from People’s Watch. Lured to Madurai to work on the railway station renovation project with a promise of ₹14,000 per month, Khan was allegedly threatened and denied his full wages by his contractor. People’s Watch intervened, securing his release and a partial payment. The incident highlights the prevalence of labor exploitation among migrant workers, the challenges they face in reporting such abuses, and the need for government oversight and regular inspections.

**News Article:**

**Assamese Migrant Worker Rescued from Exploitation in Madurai**

**Madurai, October 8, 2025** – A 19-year-old migrant worker from Assam, identified as Jamal Khan, has been rescued from alleged exploitation by a contractor in Madurai, following intervention from the human rights NGO, People’s Watch. Khan, who was brought to Madurai to work on the railway station renovation project, claimed he was threatened and denied promised wages.

According to Ashish, an advocate with People’s Watch, Khan was lured to Madurai along with 13 other workers with the promise of ₹14,000 per month. Upon arrival, they were housed in a shanty near the Periyar bus stand, in what were described as “deplorable” conditions.

Khan alleges that after working every day for a month, he was informed by the contractor that he would only receive half his promised salary due to deductions. When he requested to be relieved of his duties, the contractor, identified only as Noor, allegedly threatened and attacked him.

Fearing for his safety, Khan contacted relatives in Assam, who alerted People’s Watch. The NGO was able to locate Khan, negotiate his release, and secure a partial payment of ₹6,700.

People’s Watch executive director, Henri Tiphagne, condemned the incident, stating that denying workers payment and the right to negotiate wages constitutes forced labor. He called for increased government oversight and regular inspections in labor-intensive industries to ensure workers are paid according to regulations.

While Khan was successfully rescued and sent home, Mr. Tiphagne expressed concern for other exploited workers who may be afraid to speak out. The Madurai Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) stated his office was unaware of the situation and can only act upon receiving formal complaints.

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