32 state residents trapped in Malaysia

Kolkata: As many as 32 people from the state who had been lured by the promise of jobs, are allegedly trapped in Malaysia. Two of them have sent an audio message through an app to the National Anti-Trafficking Committee (NATC), seeking assistance.

"They have alleged that the private company that had promised to employ them has seized their passports and are treating them like slaves. We have already informed the Union minister of External Affairs, office of Prime Minister, the state Chief Minister, Consulate General Malaysia in India and the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) about their plight, urging them to take up the matter and take steps for their rescue," said Sheikh Jinnar Ali, national chairman of NATC.

The persons who are allegedly trapped mostly hail from North 24-Parganas district. They had gone seeking jobs in the country in phases since September 10.

Sanjay Mallick and Julfikar Ali Mondal, two of the victims, have stated in their message that they are being given death threats whenever they have been vocal against the ill treatment.

The victims had gone to Malaysia through an agent at Gopalnagar in North 24-Parganas under tourist visa, for the job of construction labourer.

Mallick has claimed to be seriously ill and alleged that he has not been provided any medical assistance.

Recently, 12 people who had found themselves in similar plight after they were lured with the promise of jobs in the jewellery industry, were rescued after they had communicated a voice message to

NATC.

The 12 youths hailed from different parts of the state, including South 24-Parganas, Kolkata, East Burdwan, Murshidabad and Hooghly.