Two youths from Bangladesh, who allegedly escaped from their employer following harassment and exploitation, were rescued by a city-based NGO and handed over to the K.R. Puram police on Sunday.

The duo, identified as Albir, 24, and Sakib, 25, reportedly confessed that they had entered Bengaluru illegally to work as rag pickers but were later forced into various illegal activities, including temple thefts and other illegal activities. Following a preliminary inquiry, they were handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), while the case has been transferred to the Hulimavu police for detailed investigation.

According to their statements, the two were brought illegally from Bangladesh through porous border routes around 12 years ago with promises of employment and decent wages. However, soon after arriving in Bengaluru, they were allegedly forced into criminal activities by their employer.

After escaping from a labour shed, the duo reached K.R. Puram, where they met Faiz Akram Pasha, a Bengaluru-based social worker, near a roadside tea shop. Pasha and his associates reportedly recorded their statements and later produced them before the K.R. Puram police.

The victims alleged that they, along with nearly 70 others, were confined in a labour shed located in Basavapura on Bannerghatta Road and constantly monitored by handlers. They claimed the group was forced to commit thefts, particularly targeting temples, besides being involved in drug peddling and other illegal activities.

Albir further alleged that he was assaulted when he resisted the activities and suffered a fractured leg due to the abuse. The duo also claimed that women and girls from Bangladesh, Kolkata and Odisha were trafficked and forced into prostitution.

In their statement, the two admitted to recently committing theft at a temple in Bannerghatta under pressure from the handlers.

They further accused their alleged employer, identified as Yameen, of running an organised racket involving trafficking and the sale of minor children. The duo also alleged that the accused had influence in local circles and maintained contacts with certain police personnel through bribery.

“We want to return to our native place and request the police to rescue others who are still being detained,” the victims reportedly told investigators. The Hulimavu police have taken up the case and initiated further investigation.