Ahmedabad Drive Rescues 72 Children Forced Into Begging, 24 Adults Booked

Authorities have rescued 72 children allegedly forced into begging and made to perform dangerous activities on city roads during a special anti-begging drive in Ahmedabad, while 24 adults were booked for allegedly forcing minors into begging and other prohibited activities, officials said.

The joint operation was conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), police and Gujarat social welfare department across various parts of the city. Officials carried out investigations and action at identified begging hotspots as part of the drive.

According to the AMC, the rescued children had allegedly been forced to beg at traffic signals during busy hours, clean vehicle windows, play dangerous games on roads and undertake labour.

Following the rescue, all 72 children were taken to a designated facility for medical check-ups. They were subsequently presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further action.

After the CWC proceedings, 10 children were shifted to a Child Welfare Home, while the remaining 62 children were handed over to their parents or guardians. The families were given strict warnings not to force the children into begging.

In a separate action during the drive, 17 rescued men were produced before a court and shifted to beggar homes, the AMC said.

The civic body said another 24 persons were rounded up for allegedly forcing children to beg at dangerous locations, including busy traffic signals. The accused were also alleged to have made children clean vehicle windows, perform dangerous activities on roads and undertake labour.

The AMC said cases were being filed under various sections of the Juvenile Justice Act against those accused of forcing children into such activities.