Uttar Pradesh man reunites with family after 3 decades as bonded labourer

Nov 28, 2024

Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], November 29 : In a peculiar turn of events, Bhim Singh, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, reunited with his family nearly three decades after being abducted and forced to work as bonded labour for several years.
Reminiscing his life experiences, Bhim Singh said he was kidnapped by some strangers when he was returning from school and was taken to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan by them and made bonded labour for several years. He said that he was kept for rearing sheep and goats in a village.
Singh stated that the kidnappers provided him with food only once a day and often beat him. However, one day, a kind individual noticed his plight and dropped him off in Ghaziabad. With the help of the police, Singh finally reunited with his family.
Speaking to ANI, Bhim Singh said, "When along with my sister, I was returning from school, some people kidnapped us and took us to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan...I used to rear sheep and goats in the village...They used to tie me to a tree and give me food only one time in the evening... They used to beat me... A person saw me in this condition and dropped me off in Ghaziabad...Then the police station offered me help and reunited me with my family..."
ACP Sahibabad Rajneesh Kumar Upadhyay stated that when Singh came to the police station, he could not identify his address. After hearing his ordeal, the police formed a team and circulated his details on social media.
He explained that after persistent efforts, a family contacted the police, and Bhim Singh immediately recognised them as his own, leading to an emotional reunion.
"...A person (Bhim Singh) came to the police station and was unable to tell which area he belonged to... After listening to his (Bhim Singh) ordeal, we formed a team and spread information about him on social media. After getting to know about him (Bhim Singh) through social media, many families contacted us... One of them, Tula Ram's family also contacted us and he (Bhim Singh) immediately recognised his family members... He (Bhim Singh) has been reunited with his family members... Further investigation is underway..." Upadhyay told ANI.
The police official confirmed that further investigation into the case is ongoing.