159 migrant labourers accused in criminal cases in Kerala between 2016-2022

Thiruvananthapuram: Between 2016 and October 2022, 159 migrant labourers have been accused in various murder cases across the state. These statistics have brought to light the challenge faced by the Kerala Police in preventing the entry of migrant labourers with criminal backgrounds into the state.

As per rules, it is mandatory to maintain a Migrant Labour Register in police stations across Kerala. Contractors who hire such workers and the brokers are supposed to submit the ID proofs of such migrant labourers at the police station along with other necessary details. However, migrants continue to sneak in without valid documents and avoid reporting at police stations before entering jobs here.