Overview
- A coordinated operation led by Principal District and Sessions Judge G.V.N. Bharata Laxmi raided brick kilns in Armoor mandal on May 19 and ordered immediate rescues and investigations.
- Officials say roughly 518–529 people from about 135 families were removed from the kilns, with official records noting at least 226 minors including nine infants among those rescued.
- Survivor statements and official inquiries describe common tactics of bonded labour: small cash advances, forced signing of blank papers, extreme work hours from early morning to late night, payment by restricted vouchers, confinement and reports of physical and sexual abuse.
- Authorities have arrested kiln owners named in reports and registered cases under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, child‑protection laws and criminal provisions for confinement and assault.
- Relief and rehabilitation work is underway with interim camps, medical checks and transport to Nellore, but officials warn progress is slowed by missing identity documents, lack of bank accounts and strained emergency funds for large‑scale rescues.