Raipur: Mahasamund police have uncovered a major human trafficking and bonded labour network operating across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and other states, arresting five persons and seizing ₹1.48 crore in cash.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mukesh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind of the racket, Lata Savar, Nandu Mohanty, Piyush Agarwal, and Manish Gupta.
Police conducted simultaneous raids across 10 locations linked to the syndicate, seizing ₹1.48,54,750 in cash, note-counting machines, registers detailing labour migration, mobile phones, bank passbooks, chequebooks, ATM cards, and mortgage documents.
The investigation began after police received a memo from a government hospital on 21 September 2026 regarding the physical exploitation and pregnancy of a minor girl. Probing the matter led investigators to an organized network engaged in human trafficking, forced migration, and bonded labour.
Members of the racket targeted economically vulnerable families by offering cash advances. They then sent the workers from Chhattisgarh to brick kilns and other work sites in neighbouring states. Police stated that workers were subjected to intimidation, threats, and harsh working conditions, with their movements strictly controlled by the operators.
A case has been registered at Khallari police station under Crime No. 104/2026 under Sections 143(2), 143(3), 143(4), 3(5), and 111 (organized crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police are currently analyzing seized electronic evidence, mobile phones, and financial records to trace the full extent of the network’s financial transactions, determine the total number of trafficked labourers, and investigate aspects related to child labour and the exploitation of women and minors. Further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
