Twenty Indian labourers, ensnared in Myanmar after falling prey to false job promises in Thailand, are pleading for assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure their freedom, reports the Times Of India. According to the victims' families, they have collectively sought help from Pradeep Chaudhary, the BJP MP from Kairana, who has reached out to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

In harrowing videos obtained by TOI, one worker, identified as Kuldeep Kumar, reveals the dire conditions they face. "Our families have reached out to the MEA, but we have yet to receive any aid, despite our pleas circulating widely on social media. One person has already died here, and a girl among us has suffered severe head injuries due to beatings. We fear for our lives. Either they'll kill us, or we'll have to resort to drastic measures," Kuldeep implores.

Detailing their ordeal, Kuldeep discloses that they endure gruelling workdays of 18 hours, surviving on only two bowls of rice. Refusal to comply results in beatings and being forced to run 10 kilometres as punishment. He appeals to the MEA for their rescue.

Speaking to TOI, Kuldeep's brother sheds light on the deception. "Kuldeep clandestinely recorded these videos with a hidden phone. He departed from Saharanpur on April 22, journeying from Delhi to Bangkok. Subsequently, he was transported to Mae Sot airport, near the border, blindfolded, and taken to a forest in Myanmar. There, they were coerced into slavery, engaged in online fraud operations," he reveals.

He further explains the deception surrounding their location, stating, "They were misled about their captivity site, believing it to be around a hundred kilometres from the airport. However, it was Myawaddy, merely 5 kilometres from Mae Sot airport but within Myanmar. The company holding them captive claims to have purchased each Indian for $7,500."

BJP MP Pradeep Chaudhary informed TOI that MEA officials informed him of leads from the Indian embassy in Myanmar and plans for a rescue operation.