Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Pics: Supplied

Udupi, Jun 13: The officials of the district labour department on Friday June 13 raided a house at Bommarabettu Puttige, Hiriadka and rescued two child labourers from Rajasthan.

The officials raided the house of Gayatri Nayak, who runs fast food business along with her family. The children were found living in a shed in the premises.

It is said that the two rescued children, identified as Laxman Singh and Mangilal, both aged around 11, were employed by her.

The children hail from Rajasthan. It is said that their parents live in Rajasthan while the children have been working here.

When questioned, they said that they were studying in 4th and 5th standards. However, the officials said their exact age would be determined after medical tests. The children were sent to Spoorthi Dhama's residential school for child labourers.

Speaking to daijiworld, Prabhakar Achar, project director of district Child Labour Project Society, said that the parents of the children would be contacted, and if they provide necessary documents and guarantee that the children would be sent to school without being made to work, the boys would be handed over to them. If the parents are not able to do as directed, the children will continue to stay at Spoorthi Dhama and obtain education, he added.

He also said that a case may be registered against Gayatri Nayak after thorough investigation.

The operation was conducted by M N Devaraj, district labour officer, Prabhakar Achar, R Ravikumar, labour inspector, Leelavati, supervisor of women and children welfare department, Udupi, Shivanand Mayya of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyana, Laxman Prabhu, head constable of Hiriadka police station, and Yogish of Outreach Worker child protection unit.