First-Ever Case in Vadodara: Mother Charged for Exploiting Toddler in Begging
In a disturbing incident that marks a first for the city of Vadodara, authorities have registered a case against a woman for compelling her two-year-old daughter to beg at a busy traffic signal. This action follows repeated warnings issued to the woman, who was previously identified during anti-begging drives but continued the exploitative practice.
Coordinated Efforts to Combat Child Begging
The case emerged from a series of targeted operations conducted by multiple agencies, including the district's Child Welfare Committee, the city police's She Team, and social workers from the NGO Prayas. These drives were specifically designed to identify and address individuals who exploit children for begging purposes. Initially, the focus of these officials was on raising awareness about the legal violations involved, with warnings being issued to those found engaging in such activities.
Despite prior cautions, the woman, identified as Kesar Waghri, was observed begging with children once again on Friday during a drive in the Fatehgunj area. When officials approached, she attempted to disperse the other children accompanying her but was unable to separate from her own two-year-old daughter, who remained with her.
Legal Action Under Juvenile Justice and Anti-Begging Laws
The woman was promptly detained by police and has been formally booked under two key legislations:
- Juvenile Justice Act: Charges include sections related to a person in control of a child assaulting, abandoning, abusing, neglecting, or causing mental or physical suffering to the child.
- Bombay Prevention of Begging Act: This pertains to forcing someone into begging, highlighting the coercive nature of the act.
This case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting minors for financial gain, especially after repeated interventions by authorities. It serves as a stark reminder of the legal frameworks in place to protect vulnerable children from such abuses.
The incident has sparked discussions on the effectiveness of awareness campaigns versus stricter enforcement in curbing child begging. Officials emphasize that while education is crucial, persistent offenders will face legal repercussions to deter such practices and safeguard children's welfare.
