Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Nov 19: In a major crackdown on child exploitation, more than 100 minor boys and girls — many of them tribal children from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha — were rescued from a mushroom-processing factory in Raipur on Monday, following swift intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The shocking incident came to light after NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo ordered an immediate raid based on a complaint by the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA). In a post on X, Kanoongo revealed that the children were being held as bonded labourers and forced to work between 12 to 14 hours a day under hazardous conditions, including exposure to cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde.

“A large number of tribal children are among those rescued… Agents brought them with advance payments, made them work below minimum wage, and kept them in extremely cramped rooms,” Kanoongo stated. The NHRC member also highlighted that the children were restricted in movement and housed in dingy, suffocating spaces within the factory premises.

According to AVA, the minors were victims of trafficking and subjected to “severe exploitation” and coercive conditions amounting to bonded labour. During the rescue operation, several children revealed that they were made to work for up to 15 hours daily and were often denied proper meals.

Expressing his concern, Kanoongo criticised the local authorities for often targeting only middlemen while allowing influential factory owners to evade responsibility. “This is precisely why such crimes continue,” he said, urging State governments to ensure strict action and facilitate the safe rehabilitation of the rescued children.

Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh confirmed that an inquiry is underway and assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.

The rescued minors have been shifted to childcare institutions in Raipur, where they are currently receiving support and care.