Members of a circus troupe, along with animals and exotic birds, left stranded here before the lockdown in March, are in dire straits.

The owner allegedly left them before the lockdown.

The 24-member troupe, with persons hailing from Bengal and neighbouring states, were offered vehicles by the district administration to take them back home this week, but they refused fearing they would never get their wages from the circus owner.

During Unlock 1, some members of the troupe started working as labourers, sweepers and domestic helps in Haroa to feed themselves, over a dozen performing dogs and exotic birds, including macaws and parrots.

Troupe members, who claim the circus owner owes them Rs 20 lakh towards their wages, have also filed a complaint with Basirhat police.

Members of the circus troupe said that the BDO, gram panchayat and a fair committee gave them food during the lockdown. “But since unlocking has begun, we can’t live on charity. I started working as a sweeper,” said circus troupe member Babu Ghosh of Krishnagar. “We are very anxious about the animals,” he added.

“Since the lockdown, the owner has paid only Rs 500 as wages over three months. He sends money for food to the bank account of a colleague but the sum is too small to feed 24 members and animals and birds,” said Jyotsna Burman, who hails from Coochbehar.

Ashraf Husain, son of the circus owner, refuted the allegations. “I have been paying for their food and daily needs. I offered them 50 per cent of their dues. But, they want the entire sum which I can’t pay now. I also visited the circus ground to bring back the animals but I was threatened by workers backed by politicians,” he said.