Twelve migrant workers from Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, are reportedly stranded in Kyrgyzstan for nearly three months, facing harassment and, their families allege, torture abroad. The workers were sent overseas by a local recruitment agency after paying about ₹2.5 lakh each and travelling on a 59‑day visa with contracts their relatives call misleading. Families say the men are being kept in different cities, denied proper food, and prevented from returning home; several have shared video messages pleading for help.
District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh said a detailed report was prepared after the Uttar Pradesh Home Department sought factual details and directed the police to probe. The report, prepared by the Pilibhit district administration, has been sent to the UP Home Department so that due process can be initiated for the workers' safe return. The district's SP Abhishek Yadav confirmed the matter has been assigned to City CO Deepak Chaturvedi for investigation, with families submitting written complaints alleging a local firm operating from a city colony and other associates helped send them abroad on false promises.
Names of the workers have been confirmed as Ravi Kumar, Ajay, Chandrapal, Santram, Rohit, Ramesh, Harswaroop, Shyamcharan, Sanjeev, Prempal, Ramasare, and Harishankar. The families say the men are being forced to work in different locations, endure beatings, and endure conditions described as 'worse than animals.' Officials say all 12 workers are included in the inquiry and that every possible step will be taken to secure their return.
Cover image source: Pilibhit administration sends report to UP Home Department about 12 labourers stranded in Kyrgyzstan 🔗
