13 children belonging to Baiga tribe rescued (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Police in Chhattisgarh rescued 13 children belonging to the Baiga tribal community from bonded labour in Kabirdham district during a major operation conducted on Wednesday.
Eight accused, including alleged traffickers and employers, have been arrested in connection with the case.
The rescued children belong to the Baiga tribe, recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Officials said the children were allegedly taken from Thuhapani village in the Bhoramdeo area and forced into labour in different villages across the district.
Trafficking of bonded labourers: Supreme Court asks labour ministry to file affidavit
According to Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh Chhavai, the accused allegedly convinced parents to send their children away by offering small amounts of money and false assurances.
Police said the children, aged between 8 and 15 years, were made to graze cattle and perform livestock-related work for several months. Authorities launched the rescue mission after receiving information about the alleged exploitation.
An FIR has been registered under sections related to human trafficking, bonded labour, child labour and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Investigators said the children were forced to work from early morning until evening every day. According to statements recorded by officials, they worked between 6 am and 9 am and again from noon until around 7 pm.
Police said the children themselves were not paid any wages. Instead, their parents allegedly received amounts ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per month.
Madhya Pradesh: 163 Minor boys rescued from train in Katni; 8 held on trafficking charges
The arrested accused include individuals identified as Ravi Yadav, Ramu Yadav, Badhi Yadav, Kanhaiya Yadav, Ramphal Yadav, Ram Bihari Yadav and Rupesh Yadav. Officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether more people were involved.
Child rights activists said the case highlights the vulnerability of children from marginalised tribal communities who are often targeted by trafficking networks.
Manish Sharma of the Association for Voluntary Action, an organisation working on child protection, said extreme poverty and lack of awareness make tribal families easy targets for exploitation and illegal labour practices. Police said efforts are continuing to identify any wider trafficking network linked to the case.
