AN Indian restaurant has lost its licence after a trio of illegal workers were found on the site during a raid, including one who pleaded with officers to return him home.

Essex Police applied to revoke the licence of the Balti Raj, which trades as RML, on Station Road, Tiptree, because no right to work checks were being carried out by management.

On Friday, June 23, Colchester Council’s licensing sub-committee approved the application at a hearing.

One of the illegal workers had no passport and told officers he was being paid in rice.

Records showed the man was known by the Home Office as having an outstanding appeal hearing.

Another worker admitted to working illegally and told police: “I am happy you’re here I want to go back to Bangladesh as soon as possible, take me.”

The third was working on a student visa which expired in 2012.

Stephen Sparrow, Essex Police licensing officer, urged the committee to send a message that this is not acceptable.

He said: “We will continue to work with our partners to check businesses are employing legitimate members of staff and are not abusing those workers, other businesses and the community.

“Colchester Council agreed the actions of RML were so serious the business could no longer operate with a premises licence.

"The right checks were not carried out and the three men were found to be working illegally and living in appalling conditions. 

“I hope this case sends out a strong message we will not tolerate businesses who think they can cheat the system and their communities.

"If you employ illegal workers it is just a matter of time until you are caught and action is taken against you.” 

He described it as modern day slavery and said he believes it is unlikely any right to work checks had been undertaken at the restaurant since it opened in 2005.

The raid initially occurred on March 23 and officers returned to the restaurant in April asking to see evidence right to work checks were being carried out but had no response from management.

At the time of the inspection Mohibur Rahman was the premises licence holder, but his son, Mahfuzer, purchased the restaurant from him on May 1, claiming he has little contact with his father who spends the large majority of his time in Bangladesh.

Despite being identified as manager by employees following the inspection, Mahfuzer denied any responsibility.

Mahfuzur said: “I would urge the committee to consider the business is under new management and carrying out checks.

“I have applied for the transfer of the premises and I would urge you to suspend the licence until that transfer is made.

“The culprit will not suffer because of this, but I will.”

Nick Cope, of the licensing subcommittee, said: “It is clear you have employed people without clear and proper checks.

“In view of the seriousness of this matter, we do not consider suspension an acceptable form of action.”

Employers can find information to help them carry out proper checks here.