Nagpur: Nine minors (four girls and five boys), working in hazardous conditions at a food processing factory in Butibori MIDC, were rescued on Monday. Butibori police have registered a case against the company’s HR manager Shashi Nair and 3 others under BNS and Juvenile Justice Act.The operation was launched following a complaint by social activist Rakesh Bhalavi, triggering action by District Child Protection Unit.Shocking revelations emerged during a raid by the District Women and Child Development Department team. The minors were allegedly forced to operate heavy machinery and work in a dangerous chemical environment, posing severe health risks, a source from the raiding team said. Living conditions at the factory were found to be extremely poor, unhygienic. Many children were brought from other districts and states like Chhattisgarh, raising serious concerns about trafficking. Cops have registered serious cases against the factory director and three others involved.District Women and Child Development Officer Sunil Mesre guided the operation, with key participation from District Child Protection Officer Mustaq Pathan, police sub-inspector Vitthal More, Childline representatives Pooja Kamble and Megha Patil, and members of Gramin Samasya Mukti Trust, including Rupali Wankhede and Ashwini Chaure.Probe revealed blatant violations of labour laws. There were no appointed orders, no fixed working hours, and minors were deployed in hazardous occupations, endangering their lives. The rescued children will be produced before Child Welfare Committee for further rehabilitation and appropriate orders. Dist administration warned of similar inspections across factories in Butibori industrial area. TNN
