Sambalpur: 10 Child Laborers Rescued from Ernakulam Express by Child Protection Unit; They were Traveling from Jharkhand to Tamil Nadu for Work
Children Were Being Taken from Jharkhand to Tamil Nadu for Work
Sambalpur: A joint team from the Child Protection Unit, GRP (Government Railway Police), and RPF (Railway Protection Force) rescued 10 child laborers, including 4 girls, while they were being taken from Jharkhand to Tamil Nadu for work. DCPU officer Suchismita Patnaik confirmed the rescue.
Children Shifted to Shelter Home
After presenting them before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), authorities sent the children to the Utkal Balashram shelter home in Dhankauda. According to information received, around 17 people from various districts in Jharkhand had boarded the Ernakulam Express, heading toward Tamil Nadu and West Bengal’s Salimar.
Rescue Operation Initiated After Helpline Tip-Off
At around 10:30 AM, the child helpline number 1098 received a tip-off about the transportation of child laborers on the train. Immediately, a team led by Pabitra Sahu of the Sambalpur Child Helpline Unit inspected the train upon its arrival at Sambalpur station. With assistance from GRP and RPF, they conducted the verification process.
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Ten Minors Identified Among the Group
Out of the 17 workers traveling, officials identified 10 as minors aged between 14 and 17. Among them, two girls were 16 years old, while the other two were 17.
Children Aimed to Work in Factories
During questioning, the children revealed they were going to work in textile and nut-bolt factories in Tamil Nadu. They also shared that adult workers from their area had already worked there, and that inspired them to go for similar jobs. They clarified that no agent was involved and that they were traveling on their own.
Adults Were Released
Authorities allowed the adults in the group to continue their journey. However, they ensured that the minors were safely rescued and placed under protection.
