Mumbai Police Rescue 13 Child Labourers in Kandivali

Mumbai Police conducted a raid at an imitation jewellery manufacturing unit in Kandivali West on August 18, rescuing 13 minor boys who were allegedly being employed as labourers. The raid was carried out by a police team under the guidance of Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Nikalje.

The police found the 13 boys, aged between 13 and 17 years, engaged in making imitation jewellery and bangles at the unit. The children were identified as Sohel Majibul Sahaji, Sagar Rajibul Sheikh, Abdul Manan Samin Sheikh, and nine others, all originally from different districts of West Bengal.

The police also detained the establishment owner, Ankit Kumar Mahendra Rawal, and operator, Saminur Motiar Rahman Sheikh, for questioning and further legal action. During the inquiry, it was found that the children were allegedly being made to work for nine to 10 hours a day and were not being paid proper wages.

The minors were allegedly subjected to strenuous work at the imitation jewellery unit. The police said the establishment owner and operator failed to produce valid documents confirming the ages of the children. The minors also allegedly did not have school records and were not attending school.

The police have registered a case against the establishment owner and operator under relevant laws, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.

The rescued children have been taken into the care of the authorities for further proceedings. The police are conducting additional investigation into the employment of minors at the unit and the circumstances under which they were brought to Mumbai.

The action was part of a special drive ordered by senior officers to identify and rescue children being employed in violation of child labour laws. The drive aims to protect the rights of children and prevent their exploitation.

The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of child labour laws in the city. The police have urged the public to report any instances of child labour to the authorities.

In recent years, there have been several cases of child labour reported in Mumbai. The city's police and social welfare departments have been working together to rescue children from such situations and provide them with support and rehabilitation.

The rescue of the 13 child labourers in Kandivali is a significant step towards protecting the rights of children in the city. It also serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to prevent child labour and ensure that all children have access to education and a safe and healthy environment.

The police have appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any instances of child labour to the authorities. By working together, we can help prevent the exploitation of children and ensure that they have a safe and healthy childhood.

The incident is a wake-up call for the city's authorities to take stronger action against child labour. The police and social welfare departments must work together to identify and rescue children from such situations and provide them with the support and rehabilitation they need.

In conclusion, the rescue of the 13 child labourers in Kandivali is a significant step towards protecting the rights of children in the city. It highlights the need for stricter enforcement of child labour laws and the importance of continued efforts to prevent child labour and ensure that all children have access to education and a safe and healthy environment.