THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, January 9: Five Jharkhand migrant workers, who were abducted in Niger, South Africa, have been safely released following the intervention of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The workers were employed with Kalpataru Transmission Line Company on an international transmission project. The State Migrant Control Room, Jharkhand, has contacted all five workers and confirmed their safety. After medical examinations and completion of formalities, the workers will be brought back to Jharkhand by air.
Abduction of Indian Workers During Military Operation
The Niger abduction case came to light in April 2025, when the Chief Minister was informed that five Indian workers in Africa from Dondlo and Mundro villages under Bagodar police station in Giridih district had gone missing. Taking immediate action, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren directed officials to ensure the safe release of abducted workers and coordinate with central agencies.
According to the company, the workers were deployed in the Telabari area, around 25–30 kilometres from the project site. The incident occurred during a military operation, in which 26 local citizens and 12 foreign nationals, including Indian labourers in Niger, were taken hostage.
The matter was closely coordinated by the Kalpataru Transmission Line Company, the local governor’s office, the Indian Ambassador, and the Indian Embassy in Niger. The State Migrant Control Room informed the Protector of Emigrants, Ranchi, and sought urgent assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, highlighting the seriousness of the migrant crisis in Africa.
Welfare Support for Families of Migrant Workers
During the period of uncertainty, the Jharkhand government ensured support for the families of the missing workers. On the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Giridih district administration provided benefits under various migrant worker welfare schemes.
These included Ayushman Bharat cards, ration cards, Labour Cards, Ujjwala Yojana, MNREGA job cards, housing scheme benefits, pension schemes, piped water connections, e-Shram registration, and other social security schemes for migrant workers.
The successful release of Indian workers abducted abroad has brought relief to their families and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to migrant worker safety and welfare. The incident also highlights the importance of coordinated action between state authorities, the Indian Embassy, and the Ministry of External Affairs in handling international labour issues.
