Ahmedabad: The civic body partnered with the anti-human trafficking unit and the state social defence department to conduct an anti-begging drive in the West Zone on Tuesday.The team rescued more than 68 people, including 16 children, from 34 hotspots. The child welfare committee transferred nine of the children along with their parents to a civic-run shelter. The remaining seven were conditionally handed back to their guardians.The authorities also presented 13 men and 39 women before the magistrate and relocated them to designated rehabilitation homes in Odhav and Dabhoda. “Such joint campaigns will be undertaken frequently in the coming days to make the city begging-free,” the civic body affirmed in a release.The operation is part of a coordinated three-day drive. This crucial initiative tackles child exploitation, especially as Ahmedabad positions itself as a strong contender for global sporting events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games.Police stated that teams mapped major traffic junctions, railway stations, and places of worship using intelligence inputs. Monday’s drive covered West Zone areas including Sola, Bodakdev, Sarkhej, Gujarat University, and Ghatlodia. Rescued children will now be connected to sustainable education, counselling, and welfare programmes.Police are also identifying handlers who profit from child begging, promising strict action against trafficking or financial exploitation. The campaign, running through Wednesday, simultaneously focuses on creating family awareness and reducing school dropout rates. Officials noted that the operation could expand further in the coming weeks based on these initial findings.
