9-Year-Old Tribal Boy’s Death Reveals Modern Slavery in Tirupati

Tirupati: Three people have been arrested in connection with the illegal confinement and death of a 9-year-old tribal boy, Yanadi Venkateshu, exposing ongoing bonded labor practices in Tirupati district.

Satyavedu police detained N Muthu (60), his wife M Dhanabhagyam (52), and their son M Rajasekhar (32) after the boy’s mother, Ankamma, filed a complaint. DSP G Ravikumar confirmed the arrests under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, Child Labour Act, and SC/ST Atrocities Act.

The family, originally from Gudur mandal, had worked for Muthu under exploitative conditions after accepting a ₹15,000 advance. Despite promises of fair wages, they faced harsh labor and restrictions. When Ankamma attempted to leave, Muthu demanded ₹45,000, forcing her to leave Venkateshu behind.

The boy, subjected to grueling work, fell ill in April and died in a Pudupaalem hospital. The accused allegedly buried his body in Tamil Nadu’s Palar River to hide the crime. Police recovered the remains with the help of Kanchi officials, and an autopsy is pending.

This case highlights systemic abuse against the Yanadi tribe, with recent reports of similar exploitation in duck rearing, brick kilns, and shrimp processing. Activists demand a state action plan to combat bonded labor, as rescues alone fail to address the root issue. NGOs report rescued children are now in shelter homes, but enforcement remains weak.

Officials continue investigating, awaiting the postmortem report to determine the exact cause of death.