Ahmedabad: Traffic junctions, railway stations and public places across the city came under the scanner on Monday as authorities launched a special child rescue drive. With Ahmedabad positioning itself as a contender for global sporting events such as the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG), the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Mahila Cell of Ahmedabad crime branch launched a coordinated three-day anti-begging operation, aimed at rescuing children and tackling their exploitation.On the first day, authorities rescued 64 people, including 44 children, from various locations in western Ahmedabad.Authorities said the focus is not limited to rescue. The children identified during the drive will be connected to education, counselling and welfare programmes to help them move away from street begging.ACP Himala Joshi of the Mahila Cell said officials mapped out several locations based on intelligence inputs and findings from earlier drives. “Railway stations, bus terminals, malls, places of worship, and major traffic intersections are among the places where children are often found begging. Our aim is to rescue them and ensure their rehabilitation in coordination with the concerned departments,” Joshi said.On the first day, teams conducted operations in areas under the West Zone, including Sola, Bodakdev, Sarkhej, Gujarat University, and Ghatlodia.Police said the drive is also intended to identify those who profit from child begging. Strict action will be taken against anyone found forcing children to beg, trafficking them, or exploiting them for financial gain. Authorities added that the campaign will also focus on creating awareness among families and addressing school dropout rates, which often leave children vulnerable to exploitation.The drive will continue till Wednesday. Based on what officials uncover during the operation, the campaign could be expanded further in the coming weeks.
