Pune Police Intervene to Rescue Minor from Construction Site at Zilla Parishad School
In a significant enforcement action, the Loni Kand police in Pune successfully rescued a 12-year-old boy who was engaged in construction labor at a Zilla Parishad (ZP) school located in Wadegaon, Shirur taluka. The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon, highlighting serious concerns over child labor practices in the region.
Immediate Police Response and Legal Action
Police constable Rohit Mane from the Loni Kand police station promptly filed a formal complaint against the contractor responsible for the construction project. Consequently, a case has been registered under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, emphasizing the legal ramifications of employing minors in hazardous work environments.
The Pune Zilla Parishad had previously awarded a contract to construct a toilet and washroom facility for students on the school premises. This project was intended to enhance infrastructure for educational purposes, but it took a distressing turn when child labor was involved.
Details of the Incident and Contractor's Role
According to Senior Inspector Sunita Rokade of the Loni Kand police, the contractor routinely visited a mazdoor adda in the Wagholi–Kesnand area to hire daily wage workers. On the day of the incident, the contractor hired a couple and their 12-year-old son, bringing them to the school site for construction duties.
"The boy was observed carrying sand for the construction work at the school," Inspector Rokade stated. "Alert passersby notified the police control room, prompting our team to swiftly arrive at the location." Upon arrival, the police team immediately halted all work and instructed the boy and his parents to return home, ensuring the child's safety.
Background of the Family and Ongoing Investigations
The family involved in this incident hails from Karnataka and currently resides in Kesnand, Pune. Their participation in the labor highlights broader socio-economic challenges faced by migrant workers, often leading to exploitation, including child labor.
This case underscores the critical need for stringent monitoring of construction projects, especially those funded by public bodies like the Zilla Parishad. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to investigate the contractor's practices and prevent similar occurrences in the future, reinforcing the commitment to protecting children's rights under the law.
