Bengaluru, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : A significant operation took place in Bengaluru on September 8, leading to the rescue of 19 child laborers from the APMC Market in Yeshwantpur. This action followed instructions from Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who visited the market earlier that day. During his visit, he spoke with farmers, laborers, and traders, and was alerted to the presence of children working in some shops.
In response, the police formed five special teams under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the North Division. These teams included members from the Assistant Commissioner of Police, police inspectors, and labor inspectors. The operation successfully freed 19 children, comprising 13 from Bihar (including 12 boys and one girl), two from West Bengal, two from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka.
Authorities reported that four cases have been filed against shop owners employing child labor under the provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act at the RMC Yard police station. Investigations are ongoing. Additionally, five cases have been registered under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986 against the shopkeepers, with further inquiries initiated.
Moreover, ten other children found working on the streets were also rescued and presented to the Bengaluru Child Welfare Committee for necessary action. The operation was conducted under the oversight of Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner, S. Kumar Singh, and Joint Police Commissioner C. Vamsi Krishna. DCP B.S. Nemagouda led the initiative, supported by ACP Renuka Prasad B.Y., eight police inspectors, seven labor inspectors, and additional police personnel. The primary aim of this operation was to eliminate child labor and ensure the safety and rehabilitation of the rescued children.
Earlier, Chief Minister Shivakumar had instructed the police to arrest those responsible for employing children by the end of the day. He warned that failure to act promptly could result in the suspension of relevant officers, including circle inspectors, deputy superintendents, ACPs, and DCPs.
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