Odisha minor girl held captive by brick kiln owner in Telangana; family cries for help

Belpada: A migrant labourer died today at Sulekela village under Belpada tehsil in Bolangir district. He had previously returned from a brick kiln of Telangana to his native place. The pity is that his 12-year-old daughter is still in the custody of the brick kiln owner as the latter demands money.

The family of the man staged a Dharna (sit-in) at their house by keeping the body in front of it. The bereaved members sought intervention from the local administration for the release of their minor daughter.

The deceased man was identified as Kanhu Mallick, who belonged to Sulekela village.

According to a source, Kanhu is survived by his wife and two daughters. Kanhu had gone to Telangana along with his family to earn a living and meet the household expenses. He was allegedly being tortured by the employer and later fell sick. Despite sickness, the man was forced to work.

Subsequently, Kanhu was sent to his native place along with other members of the family except for the minor girl, who was forcibly kept as ‘mortgage’. Kanhu had sold a patch of land and paid Rs 50,000 to the brick kiln owner but to no avail. The owner has been demanding more money.