Hyderabad, Telangana:
The Telangana Police have achieved a remarkable milestone through Operation Muskaan, a special drive aimed at identifying and rescuing child laborers, missing children, and those forced into begging. With a strong commitment to child safety and welfare, the operation has yielded impressive results across the state.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Women Safety Wing Director General Charu Sinha announced the successful completion of the latest phase of Operation Muskaan. She revealed that a total of 7,678 children were rescued from hazardous and exploitative conditions during the campaign.
Demographics of the Rescued Children
Out of the rescued minors:
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7,149 were boys,
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529 were girls,
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A significant number — 3,783 children — were from the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
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Notably, 4 children were identified as citizens of Nepal, pointing to possible cross-border trafficking.
These children were immediately provided with shelter, safety, and medical attention. All were later reunited with their families after proper verification and counselling, ensuring a safe transition back to normal life.
Nature of Exploitation
The majority of the rescued children were found to be:
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6,718 involved in child labor across sectors such as construction, roadside eateries, factories, and workshops.
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357 living on the streets without any guardianship.
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42 found to be engaged in begging, often under coercion.
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559 involved in other unsafe and inappropriate work environments.
The findings once again underscore the prevalence of child labor in informal and unregulated sectors, despite existing laws against such practices.
Crackdown on Offenders
In a stern message to those involved in child exploitation, Charu Sinha confirmed that:
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1,713 FIRs have been registered against the accused.
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1,718 individuals were arrested and produced before the courts.
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Legal action is ongoing to ensure exemplary punishment for offenders under Juvenile Justice Act and Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
These arrests mark a significant step toward dismantling child exploitation networks and holding employers accountable.
Coordinated Effort Across Agencies
Operation Muskaan is a joint initiative involving:
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Telangana Police
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Women and Child Welfare Department
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Childline Services
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District Child Protection Units (DCPU)
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NGOs and volunteer organizations
The operation involved surprise inspections at factories, workshops, construction sites, and roadside businesses. Rescue teams also visited railway stations, bus terminals, and slum areas to identify children living in vulnerable situations.
A Message of Hope and Responsibility
DGP Charu Sinha emphasized that the goal is not just to rescue children but to rehabilitate them and prevent future exploitation. “Every child deserves a childhood free from fear and forced labor. This operation is a step toward restoring their dignity and future,” she said.
She also urged parents, citizens, and employers to remain vigilant and report any instances of child labor or trafficking to the nearest police station or Childline number 1098.
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