Karnataka Police Rescue 800 Child Labourers In Statewide Operation

At least 800 child labourers were rescued by the Karnataka Police on Saturday following a surprise statewide operation.

The campaign was launched a few days after Chief Minister D K Shivakumar saw child labourers at the APMC market in Bengaluru, leading to the rescue of 29 children.

503 children rescued in Bengaluru, highest in Karnataka

The campaign was carried out on Saturday across the state’s 962 police station limits. A total of 503 children were rescued in Bengaluru, the highest number in the state, according to government sources.

Garages, marts, repair shops, hotels, markets, pubs and restaurants were the main targets of the raids.

Bengaluru recorded the highest number of children rescued.

Raids to continue, FIRs filed against violators

“The raids have not ended but will continue,” a senior police officer said. Legal action has already been initiated by filing FIRs and, in certain cases, issuing notices. The raids also involved members of the Child Welfare Committee and the Labour Department.

Owners of businesses where child labourers were found were booked under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.