Hyderabad Police Rescues 106 Children in Major Anti-Child Labour Operation
In a significant crackdown on child labour, police-led special teams have rescued 106 children during an intensive enforcement drive across Vikarabad district in Hyderabad. The operation, aimed at identifying and freeing minors engaged in forced work, spanned various commercial establishments as part of a broader initiative to protect children's rights.
Operation Smile-X11: A Coordinated Effort
The drive, conducted under the banner of 'Operation Smile–X11', was executed by special teams formed by the police department in close coordination with other relevant departments. This collaborative approach ensured a comprehensive sweep across the district, targeting locations where child labour was suspected.
Vikarabad district superintendent of police Sneha Mehra provided details on the rescued children, noting that 106 minors—90 boys and 16 girls—were freed during the inspections. She highlighted that several of these children belonged to migrant families from other states, underscoring the interstate nature of the issue.
Geographic Diversity of Rescued Children
Among those rescued, the operation identified children from multiple states, including:
- Five children from Bihar
- Two from Rajasthan
- One each from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Karnataka
This diversity points to the widespread reach of child labour networks and the need for cross-state cooperation in addressing such violations.
Inspection Sites and Legal Actions
Inspections were carried out at a variety of commercial establishments, such as:
- Brick kilns
- Bakeries
- Hotels
- Other businesses
These efforts led to the rescue of minors engaged in forced labour, with SP Sneha Mehra emphasizing that employing children at an age meant for education is a punishable offence under Indian law. To enforce this, strict action is being taken against violators, with 23 FIRs already registered against employers for engaging in child labour.
Rehabilitation and Public Appeal
Steps are being taken to reunite the rescued children with their parents or place them in appropriate child care institutions, ensuring their safety and well-being. SP Mehra made a public appeal on Friday, urging citizens to immediately alert authorities by calling Dial 100 or Child Helpline 1098 if they notice children engaged in labour or any violations of child rights in the district.
This operation marks a critical step in Hyderabad's ongoing efforts to eliminate child labour, demonstrating the police's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable minors and holding offenders accountable.
