Operation Smile: Over 580 children rescued in Hyderabad so far this year

The first drive of Operation Smile-VII was conducted from January 1 to January 31 with 17 special rescue teams from the city police

Hyderabad: As part of the Operation Smile-VII drive, the Hyderabad Police along with Child Welfare Department officials have rescued over 580 children, including 52 girls, so far this year in the Hyderabad City Police limits,

The first drive of Operation Smile-VII was conducted from January 1 to January 31 with 17 special rescue teams from the city police, each headed by a sub-inspector rank officer, to trace missing children and rescue children from labour, and begging among others.

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According to police officials, during the first month-long drive, a total of 388 children, including 44 girls, were rescued from various places across the city.

“Of them, 83 boys and 16 girls were kept in rescue homes in Hyderabad and remaining 289 children were counseled and handed over to their parents through proper channels. They belonged to different States in India,” said an official.

A total of 61 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered under the Child Labour Act, against owners of different categories including textile stores, markets, automobile showrooms, mechanic shops, furniture shops and hotels. A fine amount of over Rs 5.70 lakh too was imposed on the employers.

In the second phase of the operation this year, Operation Muskan-VII, drive is being conducted from July 1st, and a total of 18 special teams have been constituted by the Hyderabad Police for the purpose. During this drive, until now, a total of 194 children, including 8 girls, were rescued from various places.

Officials said among those rescued, 48 boys and two girls were kept in rescue homes in Hyderabad and remaining 144 children were handed over to their parents. During the current drive, 12 FIRs were registered against the persons found employing children for labour work and a fine of Rs 7.70 lakh was also imposed on them.

The Operation Muskan-VII program will continue up to July 31st, the official added. Special efforts were made by the rescue teams to see that the children do not go back to work, he said.

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