Rescued from Delhi handloom unit, 39 kids return to Patna

Patna, Aug 18 (ANI): Around 39 minors, working as daily wage labourers in a handloom and embroidery unit in New Delhi, were handed over to the Child Welfare Board in Bihar's Patna city on Wednesday, following their rescue.

The Delhi Government, along with officials from the Bihar State Child Welfare Board (BSCWB) and volunteers of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) conducted the covert joint operation by raiding the small-scale unit and took prompt action to rescue the children.

Doctors examined the children to check for any form of abuse to their bodies.

The rescued minors were reportedly subjected to physical and mental abuse.

Most of the children were found to be anaemic and severely dehydrated. Some had high fever, said officials.

"The children were employed as labour in an embroidery unit. They were paid rupees 50 a week for their services and were also given food. The work conditions were extremely inhumane and pitiable. All of the rescued children are in the 10-15 age group," said Nagendra Kumar Pandey, In-charge, BSCWB.

Officials said these children would be rehabilitated and the employer would be tried under provisions of the law.

Irfan, one of the children said: "My employer forced me to work in his unit. Whenever I did not work or rested, he used to beat me mercilessly and also made me to do his domestic chores. He even forced me to clean his dirty food plates and paid me a meager sum of rupees 50. He never let me rest even when I was extremely tired, and used to beat me." By Ajay (ANI)