Twelve factory workers in India have been rescued from bonded labor after a brave worker escaped and alerted authorities.

Police raided a disposable bowl and paper plate factory in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, where the employer allegedly held workers, including minors, against their will, withheld their wages, and subjected them to prolonged abuse. Some had been there for one and a half years.

Workers lured with false promises of employment

The situation came to light on June 22 when Vikram, a laborer from Rajasthan Jodhpur, climbed over the boundary wall of the factory and made his way to the police station.

His complaints prompted authorities to act swiftly.

The Hindustan Times reports:

(Senior superintendent of police) Verma said the workers were allegedly lured from railway stations, bus stands and other public places with promises of jobs, salaries, food and accommodation. Once brought to the factory, their mobile phones and identity documents were allegedly taken away, leaving them unable to contact their families or leave the premises.

The rescued workers came from several states across India and Nepal. Investigators believe some had been held at the factory for as long as 18 months.

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