Nagpur: In a major operation on Monday, nine minors—four girls and five boys—were rescued from hazardous working conditions at a food processing factory in Butibori MIDC. The Butibori police have registered a case against the company's HR manager, Shashi Nair, and three others under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Juvenile Justice Act.
Operation Triggered by Complaint
The rescue operation was launched following a complaint filed by social activist Rakesh Bhalavi, which prompted action by the District Child Protection Unit. A raid was conducted by the District Women and Child Development Department team, revealing shocking conditions.
Hazardous Work and Poor Living Conditions
According to a source from the raiding team, the minors were allegedly forced to operate heavy machinery and work in a dangerous chemical environment, posing severe health risks. The living conditions at the factory were found to be extremely poor and unhygienic. Many of the children had been brought from other districts and states, including Chhattisgarh, raising serious concerns about trafficking.
The police have registered serious cases against the factory director and three others involved in the exploitation.
Officials Involved in the Raid
The operation was guided by District Women and Child Development Officer Sunil Mesre. Key participants included District Child Protection Officer Mustaq Pathan, Police Sub-Inspector Vitthal More, Childline representatives Pooja Kamble and Megha Patil, and members of Gramin Samasya Mukti Trust, including Rupali Wankhede and Ashwini Chaure.
Violations of Labour Laws
The probe revealed blatant violations of labour laws. There were no appointed orders, no fixed working hours, and minors were deployed in hazardous occupations, endangering their lives. The rescued children will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee for further rehabilitation and appropriate orders.
The district administration has warned of similar inspections across factories in the Butibori industrial area.
