Pocso charges added against accused in child labour case
Rajkot: After the raid where 14 children and five adults were rescued from inhuman conditions in the Bedi area on Thursday night, investigators say some of the minors may have been sexually abused.
One child was found to have severe injuries, including evidence of solid foreign object penetration in the anal region. Police have now added charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act against the prime accused, Ajitmaula Ajmatmaula.
He had been operating in Rajkot for about five years, trafficking children from the Bardhaman districts of West Bengal, with the assurance of employment.
When he was arrested, police found two minors with him. Both were taken to a hospital, where one was found to have the injuries.
The victims, allegedly trafficked from West Bengal, were forced to work in gold and imitation jewellery units in inhuman conditions.
The 14 children, some as young as 12, and five adults, between 18 and 22 of age, had been promised monthly wages between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000. They were forced to labour for 10-12 hours each day and were beaten with metal rods if they did not comply.
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Assistant commissioner of police Bharat Basiya said, "We have found injury marks and bruises on the bodies of the victims. They will be sent to the Child Protection Society for counselling to determine the extent of abuse."
The rescued minors are now in the care of the child welfare authorities. Further investigation is underway to identify other possible victims and accomplices.
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