Pilibhit Workers Trapped in Kyrgyzstan Begin Returning Home
Relief has finally arrived for families in Pilibhit after nine residents who were trapped in Kyrgyzstan for nearly three months returned home safely. Officials confirmed that the remaining three workers are expected to return by December 30, as their visas remain valid until December 31, 2025.
District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh said the process to bring back the remaining men has reached the final stage. Authorities are coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure their safe return before the end of the year.
Victims Fell Prey to Fake Overseas Job Scam
All twelve workers were victims of an alleged overseas job scam. They belonged to areas under Barkhera, Puranpur, Diyoria and Gajraula police stations in Pilibhit district.
According to officials, a recruiting agent based in Pilibhit city promised the men well-paying jobs abroad. Each worker reportedly paid ₹2.5 lakh to the agent for travel arrangements and employment that never existed.
The men were sent to Kyrgyzstan on 59-day visas backed by fraudulent job contracts.
Ordeal Came to Light Through Viral Video
The scam came to public attention after Rohit, one of the stranded workers, uploaded a video on social media describing their suffering. The video surfaced on December 5, triggering concern among families and authorities.
Following the video, Rohit’s wife Premvati and relatives of other trapped workers approached local officials and sought help for their rescue.
The men Ravi Kumar, Ajay, Chandrapal, Santram, Rohit, Ramesh, Harswaroop, Shyamacharan, Sanjeev, Prempal, Ramasare and Harishankar were reportedly stranded in different cities of Kyrgyzstan without proper support.
Forced Labour and Alleged Abuse Abroad
Upon reaching Kyrgyzstan, the workers realised the promised jobs did not exist. Instead, they were allegedly forced to work in conditions they had never agreed to.
The men claimed they faced physical abuse, salary denial and restrictions on movement. Several videos posted online showed them appealing to the Indian government for immediate help and safe evacuation.
Their families back home lived in fear and uncertainty for weeks as they awaited official intervention.
Authorities Step In to Facilitate Return
Following the revelations, local administration and police launched an investigation. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav said the case has been handed over to a Circle Officer for detailed inquiry.
District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh also urged people to remain cautious while dealing with overseas job offers and avoid falling prey to fraudulent agents.
Political and Social Support for Victims
Union Minister Jitin Prasada earlier met the families of the stranded workers in Delhi. He contacted the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan to speed up the rescue and return process.
Farmer leader Dev Swaroop Patel met the workers who returned on Saturday in Bareilly. He said tickets for the remaining three workers — Harishankar, Ramasare and Shyam Charan — were yet to be arranged but assured that efforts were underway.
Families Demand Justice and Refund
Scenes of joy unfolded in the villages as the nine workers returned home. Families welcomed them with relief and emotion after months of anxiety.
The workers and their families have demanded strict action against the agent who cheated them. They also appealed to authorities to help recover the money they had paid for the fake job placements.
Investigation Continues
Officials confirmed that the probe into the fake recruitment racket is ongoing. Police are examining documents, financial transactions and the role of intermediaries involved in sending the workers abroad.
Authorities have reiterated that action will be taken against those responsible, and further advisories will be issued to prevent similar scams in the future.
