Daijiworld Media Network – Surat

Surat, May 15: A total of 93 children allegedly employed as labourers in saree packing units were rescued from different parts of Surat during a joint operation conducted by Gujarat Police and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Rajasthan’s Udaipur district police, officials said on Friday.

According to Surat Additional Police Commissioner Balram Meena, the operation was launched after the AHTU in Udaipur alerted Surat Police about minors allegedly being brought to the city for labour work.

“Based on the information received, searches were carried out in Mukti Dham Society and Sitaram Society, where 93 children were identified and rescued,” Meena said.

Police stated that the children were engaged in saree packing work at various units in the city. Most of the rescued minors are reportedly from areas around Udaipur in Rajasthan.

Officials said the children’s ages have been verified and efforts are currently underway to reunite them with their families.

Police have identified four accused in connection with the case — Gopal Singh Rajput, Dharmesh Solanki, Mahendra Singh Kumawat and Dadam Dongri. Authorities said investigations are continuing and more names are likely to emerge as the probe progresses.

Officials suspect a wider trafficking and child labour network may be involved in transporting minors to Surat for employment in local units.

Further investigation is underway.