Operation Smile Team rescues 11 kids in Gadwal

The team, led by SI Kesava Rao, Labor Officer Mohin, ICDS Officer Lakshmi Devi, Child Helpline Officer Kalavathi, NGO representative Latha, and the police team took swift action and apprehended Parashuram. After an interrogation, it was discovered that he was making the children work for Rs. 250 each while skipping school. As this is a violation under the Child Labor Act, the team brought Parashuram before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and called in the parents for counseling to ensure the children return to school. A case has been filed against Parashuram for employing children as laborers.

The District SP T. Srinivasa Rao stated that criminal cases will be registered against anyone forcing children to beg or engage in prostitution. He urged the public to report any cases of children under 18 being forced to work, children in distress, abandoned or missing children, or those facing physical, mental, or sexual exploitation. Anyone witnessing child labor or exploitation should call 1098 or dial 100 to inform the Operation Smile team. The identities of those providing information will be kept confidential.

He also emphasized that children who have completed their schooling under the age of 18 should remain in school. Everyone should act responsibly to prevent children from being exposed to forced labor and help bring smiles to their faces. Strict action will be taken against anyone employing children in hotels, shops, agriculture, and other sectors in the district, and criminal cases will be filed.