In a heart-wrenching turn of events, children from various states, including Bihar, have been lured to Nagpur under false promises and forced into grueling, hazardous labour. In the past two months alone, two significant cases have come to light, shedding light on the troubling exploitation of vulnerable minors.
In one such case, nine children, aged between 12 and 18, were abducted from their villages with the promise of better job opportunities and brought to Nagpur. Upon arrival, they were coerced into working in unsafe environments, enduring long hours of physical labour. If they dared to refuse, they faced physical abuse, threats, and intimidation.
Determined to break free from their harrowing circumstances, nine children made a daring escape to Nagpur railway station on November 14, 2024, exposing a troubling network of child trafficking and forced labour. Their act of bravery brought the grim reality of exploitation to light, igniting widespread outrage and calls for immediate action.
Following their escape, the Government Railway Police (GRP) launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of two suspects—Pramod Yadav (24) from Hemantpur, Bhojpur district, and Sanjay Yadav (25) from Bhairav Tola, Bhojpur. The operation, led by Police Inspector Gaurav Gawande, uncovered shocking details about how children were abducted, transported, and forced into labor under harsh conditions. Both accused are now behind bars.
Investigations uncovered another troubling case involving children from Madhya Pradesh, reportedly deceived and brought to Nagpur Vidarbha by a man known as “uncle.” This case sheds light on a deeper issue, with hundreds of children still trapped in unsafe labor conditions across the region, many of their stories yet untold.
Authorities have taken steps to temporarily remove some child laborers from their exploitative workplaces. However, these incidents highlight the pressing need for stronger action to dismantle trafficking networks and safeguard vulnerable children from such exploitation.
Between January 1 and January 8, 2025, a total of 14 child laborers were rescued in various locations across Nagpur. The operations began on January 1 with the rescue of three children in Jaripatka, followed by five more in Kalamna on January 2. On January 6, three children were rescued in Koradi, and another three were found in Jaripatka on January 8. These rescues, conducted within just eight days, highlight the alarming prevalence of child labor in the region and the urgent need for continued vigilance and intervention.
– KV Dahifalkar, labour commissioner
If child labor is found at any place, contact the Additional Labor Commissioner, Child Labor Department, District Child Protection Cell, Child Line or Police Department. We are ready to take action.
– Mushtaq Pathan, district child protection officer
This joint action was taken by the Child Labor Department, District Child Protection Cell, Child Line and Police Department.