Three children aged between 13 and 17 years were among seven persons from the Irular community who were rescued from a brick kiln in Minnal village near Arakkonam town in Ranipet on Thursday.

Revenue officials said that the rescued tribals were residents of Irular Colony near Arakkonam and Sriperumbudur town. The families of rescued tribals, including three boys, were paid an advance of ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 each by an agent before the boys were brought to work at the brick kiln.

Officials said that the brick kiln belongs to K. Palani, a local resident. The facility is being run by his two sons, namely P. Suresh and P. Suman. “Based on a tip-off, we conducted searches at the kiln. During an inquiry, rescued persons complained about inhuman treatment. Necessary legal action will be taken against the brick kiln owner,” said T. Ramesh, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), Arakkonam, who led the inspection.

Officials also said that the rescued tribals were forced to stay in small huts without proper access to drinking water and toilet facility. They were reportedly made to work for more than 15 hours a day. The rescued boys told revenue officials that the in-charge and his men would beat them up if they stood in the shade or even drank water. The boys were reportedly subjected to physical abuse, long working hours, and were living under sub-par living conditions.

Revenue officials have filed a case at Arakkonam Taluk police. The rescued persons were provided with release certificates signed by the RDO. The release certificate enables the rescued workers to receive financial aid and access government schemes meant for bonded labourers. Efforts will be taken to prevent the rescued boys and their families from falling into the trap again, officials said.