Karnataka rescues 800 child labourers in coordinated two-hour sweep

In a coordinated statewide operation, Karnataka's police and Labour Department officials inspected 16,951 premises and rescued 800 child labourers during a concentrated two-hour crackdown on Saturday. The rapid deployment of enforcement teams resulted in one of the state's most significant single-day rescue operations targeting child labour.

Bengaluru city accounted for the majority of rescues, with 503 children freed from exploitative work situations, representing 63 per cent of the total. The high concentration in the state capital highlights the scale of child labour in urban commercial and industrial settings across the region.

The simultaneous operations across multiple jurisdictions demonstrated coordinated enforcement efforts between police departments and Labour Department officials. The crackdown aimed to identify and rescue minors engaged in hazardous or exploitative work in violation of child labour laws.

The rescued children are expected to be provided support and rehabilitation services as per established protocols. The operation underscores ongoing efforts by Karnataka authorities to combat child labour and ensure compliance with national labour standards protecting minors from exploitation.