Fifteen Dalits, including seven children, forced to work as bonded labourers in a brick kiln in the district for the last two years have escaped and sought action against their employer.

The victims belonging to three families hailing from Thanjavur District escaped from the brick kiln at Anthiyur last night, revenue officials said.

The Dalits, including four women, met District Revenue Officer S Ganesh with the help of local functionaries of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, a Dalit-based party, and told him that they were forced to work several hours a day by the brick kiln owner Palanisamy.

Poor food and shelter were provided to them. The employer also refused to send their children to school, they said and pleaded for stringent action against him.

The DRO has ordered the Revenue Divisional Officer, Gobichettipalayam, to conducted a detailed inquiry, officials said.

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