AMRITSAR: Shivanshu Awasthi, a 25-year-old from Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, arrived in Amritsar in search of better job prospects. However, he found himself trapped as a "bonded" laborer in a remote village on the Indo-Pak border.
After seven months, seizing an opportunity during dense fog, Shivanshu managed to escape. Unfortunately, he unknowingly headed towards Pakistan but was fortunately spotted by alert Border Security Force (BSF) troops.
The BSF not only provided him refuge but also contacted his family, informing them of his situation and advising them to retrieve him from Amritsar. Shivanshu revealed that he arrived in Amritsar in April 2023 and, feeling disheartened after failing to secure a job, accepted an offer from a couple in Modhae village. The couple promised him a monthly payment of Rs 7000, along with accommodation and food.
During his time there, Shivanshu was neither paid nor allowed to leave, facing threats if he attempted an escape. Despite sharing his concerns with a local villager, no help was forthcoming. On Friday, seizing the opportunity during heavy fog, Shivanshu successfully escaped.
Ankit Awasthi, Shivanshu's brother, learned about his brother's whereabouts when he received a call from Amritsar. Ankit, en route to Amritsar, mentioned that his brother had been missing since April and seemed upset, having distanced himself from everyone.
BSF handed Shivanshu over to the police for reunification with his family, with an undertaking. As of now, no case has been registered against his captors.
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