RPF Rescues 5 Minors from Child Labor at Shalimar Station
RPF Kharagpur Division rescued five minor boys from child labor at Shalimar Station. An adult was arrested for transporting them for work.
In a major crackdown against child exploitation, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Kharagpur Division successfully rescued five minor boys from being trafficked for child labor at Shalimar Railway Station. The operation, which took place on November 11, also resulted in the arrest of an adult man suspected of transporting the children for illegal work.
Intelligence-Led Operation at Shalimar
The rescue was executed following specific intelligence received by the authorities. A specialized task team, involving officials from the Shalimar and Santragachi posts, launched a targeted operation to intercept the traffickers. Around 12:30 PM, just before the arrival of Train No. 17066 (Chirala-Shalimar Express) at Platform 3, the RPF intercepted a man acting suspiciously while accompanied by five young boys.
The Exploitation Plot Uncovered
During interrogation, the apprehended adult admitted that he was transporting the five boys to Charlapalli to work at various construction sites. The investigation revealed several critical details regarding the exploitation attempt:
- Age of the Minors: The boys are between 14 and 16 years of age.
- Place of Origin: All five minors are residents of the Murshidabad district.
- Nature of Work: They were being taken to supply materials at construction sites.
- Lured by Wages: The children were promised daily wages ranging from ₹700 to ₹800.
The suspect was unable to produce any valid permits or legal documentation required for the transportation of minors for employment. Furthermore, the statements provided by the boys themselves confirmed they were being moved specifically for labor work.
Legal Action and Arrest
Following the rescue, the RPF handed over the five minors and the adult suspect to the GRP Shalimar for further legal proceedings. A case has been formally registered under Section 143(5)/62 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 14 of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (Case No. 90/26).
This decisive action by the Kharagpur Division RPF is seen as a significant step toward protecting children from exploitation and curbing the menace of child labor within the railway premises.