In the western Indian state of Maharashtra, the brutal realities of sugar cane labor are pushing workers like Gighe Dutta to consider a dangerous escape. When Dutta's daughter turned 12, he resolved to leave the perilous job that further jeopardized her education and future. However, his employer's violent threats and coercion proved these workers’ choices are hardly free. Dutta recounted being assaulted and locked away for days by his employer and others when attempting to quit.
Maharashtra's sugar industry supports major corporations such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Unilever, yet the workers remain trapped with no formal contracts or rights, leaving them vulnerable to violence and coercion. Local officials assure laborers can leave at will, but workers face significant risks of reprisals, including abduction and assaults, creating a chilling atmosphere where abuses often go reporting due to fear.
The magnitude of these human rights violations is underscored by a lack of official documentation or accountability; many laborers fear speaking out against their abusers. Experts and advocates highlight the alarming normalization of these practices within the industry, revealing a systemic problem that entraps individuals in cycles of abuse and poverty.
As workers navigate the treacherous landscape of the sugar trade, their plight remains largely invisible, demanding urgent attention and action to ensure their safety and rights are protected.
