Udupi: A case was registered at Kundapur Rural police station after a 65-year-old man from the Koraga community alleged that he was forced to work as a bonded labourer for nearly 30 years without proper wages or basic living facilities. According to the complaint, the victim, Naga, a resident of Kanyana village in Kundapur taluk, was brought to work about 30 years ago by Subbanna Shetty alias Shanappa Shetty, a resident of Kabbailu, Hemmady. After Subbanna Shetty’s death, his daughter Rajani Shetty and her husband Karunakara Shetty allegedly continued to keep the complainant at their house and made him work.Police said the complainant was made to graze cattle, carry out agricultural work in the fields, remove cattle dung, and clean the house toilet. The accused allegedly forced him to work without proper wages or basic living facilities. The complaint further stated that he was made to sleep in the cattle shed and was asked to keep his clothes, utensils, and other belongings there. He was also served food on banana leaves in the shed itself.He also claimed that he was not paid any salary or allowed to leave the house, and said that he was exploited for nearly 30 years. Based on the complaint, Kundapur Rural police registered a case under section 3(1)(H) of SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act.
