Breakthrough Operation Rescues 131 Child Labourers from Mushroom Unit

Authorities in Raipur, Chhattisgarh rescued 131 children from a mushroom manufacturing unit during a raid led by the NHRC, WCD, and local police. This operation uncovered trafficked minors forced into labor from various Indian states, leading to legal action against the perpetrators.

In a significant rescue operation, authorities in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, have successfully freed 131 children from forced labor at a mushroom manufacturing unit. This intervention was orchestrated by a joint team comprising the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, and local police officials.

The children, including 86 girls and 45 boys, were discovered working at the Mojo Mushroom manufacturing unit in Pikridih village. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Nandini Thakur, the minors primarily came from tribal regions spanning West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Assam, victims of trafficking organized by local agents.

This operation followed NHRC directives, and further investigations are being spearheaded by the Child Welfare Committee with its findings to be submitted in due course. The current incident echoes a similar raid executed at the same unit earlier this year, with four individuals now facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

(With inputs from agencies.)