In a significant joint operation conducted on May 13, the Udaipur police, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), and child rights organisations rescued 91 child labourers from textile factories in Surat, officials confirmed. The children, aged between seven and 14 years, had been trafficked from various parts of the country and were being forced to work in textile units under exploitative conditions for meagre wages.
Details of the Operation
According to police sources, the majority of the rescued children hailed from tribal areas in Rajasthan’s Udaipur region, while others were from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The operation was launched based on intelligence provided by social activist and former Rajasthan State Child Commission member Shailendra Pandya, who had gathered inputs regarding large-scale child labour in Surat’s textile sector. Subsequently, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) took cognisance of the matter and issued directions for action.
Investigation and Surveillance
Investigators revealed that surveillance conducted over nearly a month confirmed that minors were being employed under exploitative conditions. During the raid, traffickers and factory owners allegedly fled after receiving prior information, leaving the children behind in locked premises. Shailendra Pandya stated that the children guided rescue teams to buildings that were locked from the outside, where they were allegedly made to work 12-hour shifts. Police found several children living in cramped rooms near the factories, with poor sanitation and limited access to basic amenities.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
All rescued children were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further proceedings. The authorities are now focused on providing the children with necessary care, counselling, and rehabilitation. A case has been registered against the factory owners and traffickers under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused and dismantle the trafficking network.
Background and Context
This operation highlights the persistent issue of child labour in India’s textile industry, particularly in Surat, which is a major hub for textile manufacturing. Despite strict laws and awareness campaigns, children from impoverished tribal and rural areas continue to be trafficked and forced into hazardous work. The joint effort by law enforcement and child rights groups underscores the importance of coordinated action to combat such exploitation. The rescued children will be provided with education and skill development opportunities to prevent them from being re-trafficked in the future.
