The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the exploitation of a 15-year-old boy forced into bonded labour in Jind and Nuh districts, calling it a gross violation of child rights and human dignity.

The boy, a native of Kishanganj district in Bihar, was lured with the promise of a Rs 10,000-a-month job but instead subjected to two months of forced labour and abuse at a buffalo dairy in Jind. He was reportedly separated from friends at Bahadurgarh railway station before being tricked into the job by an unknown person.

Matters turned worse when the child suffered a grievous fodder-cutting injury. Instead of providing help, the employer allegedly abandoned him at a deserted location. The boy managed to reach Nuh, where a teacher rescued him, ensured medical treatment at a local health centre, and informed the police.

A Bench comprising chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia directed the authorities in both districts to arrest the accused, check bonded labour practices at the dairy, and prepare a rehabilitation plan for the victim. It also sought a detailed medical report and fixed the next hearing for November 4.

Justice Batra said: “Such treatment of a minor is a violation of international obligations, particularly Article 32 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates protection from economic exploitation and hazardous work.”

The panel noted that the case also prima facie violated the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and fundamental rights under Articles 21 and 23 of the Constitution.

It further observed that the boy survived without food, water or medical care for several days — exposing serious gaps in monitoring vulnerable migration corridors.

“The incident reveals not only physical harm and violation of dignity but also a collapse of protective mechanisms meant to safeguard children,” the commission stated.

The panel said urgent and comprehensive investigation was needed, with accountability fixed on those responsible and adequate medical, psychological, and rehabilitation support ensured for the victim.