Three Punjabis stuck in Malta rescued safely

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 22

Swift action by the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police has yielded positive results as three Punjabis, including a woman, have been rescued from Malta.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Gurmeet Singh said a few days ago, a video of Jalandhar resident Sagar had gone viral on social media, in which he highlighted his plight in Malta where he was taken as a machine operator.

Sagar and Arshdeep from Jalandhar and Krishna Devi from Ludhiana were sent to Malta as machine operators by A&Z Exports Ltd, he added. The company had exported some machinery to Malta for making face masks and these three persons were sent along with the consignment as machine operators, adding that initially they were kept in Dubai for a period of 14 days and then they were sent to Malta.

The DCP stated that they were allegedly made bonded labourers and made to undergo physical torture where Sagar made his videos seeking help and highlighting their plight in Malta. Notably, Sagar in the video had also mentioned that he would commit suicide, if not rescued, he said. Taking prompt action on the viral video, Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar deputed officials to verify the facts and take appropriate action.

He said appropriate arrangements were made to bring all three distressed Punjabis back to Jalandhar and now they have been reunited with their families. Thanking the CP, all rescued persons stated that they had got a new lease of life. The DCP further added that legal action will be taken against the erring persons under the prevailing laws after all the victims file a written complaint.