Landlords demanding the return of freed bonded labourers attacked the Indian human rights organisation, Volunteers for Social Justice, on 21 September.

Prabhjyot Kaur, daughter of the non-governmental organisation's director, Jai Singh, was severely injured in the attack.

This is the third assault against Volunteers in two years carried out, directly or indirectly, by landlords demanding the return of released bonded labourers. Volunteers for Social Justice, based in Phillaur, Punjab State, frees bonded labourers through the courts and works for the elimination of this form of modern-day slavery.

In February landlords attempted to abduct bonded labourers, Charan Singh and Amar Singh, who were seeking refuge in the organisation. In that attack staff managed to prevent the abduction, but another bonded labourer was beaten by the landlords. Although staff members identified the landlords involved, no legal action has been taken against them. In March, Charan Singh died following an illness for which his employer would not provide medical care.