Cyberabad police arrest parents for forcing children into begging in first-of-its-kind action

Cyberabad police arrest parents for forcing children into begging, marking a significant action against child exploitation.

Cyberabad police have launched a crackdown on child begging and, in a first-of-its-kind move, arrested and remanded parents who were allegedly forcing their children to beg at traffic junctions and public places.

Cyberabad Women and Child Safety Wing DCP Srujana Karnam said the police have taken serious note of instances where children were being painted and dressed in the attire of Mahatma Gandhi and made to beg on streets, traffic signals and busy road junctions. Such practices, officials said, were being carried out repeatedly by parents or guardians to solicit money from the public.

Recently, five minor boys were rescued while begging at the Cyber Towers junction. Following the rescue, a case was registered at the Madhapur police station against the parents for repeatedly sending the children to beg on the roads. Parents were later arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

The official described the act of forcing children into begging as cruelty and exploitation, and a gross violation of their rights, dignity and well-being. “Forcing or inducing children to beg exposes them to serious physical, emotional and psychological risks, especially in high-traffic areas where their safety is severely compromised,” the official said.

Cyberabad Police cautioned that stringent legal action would be taken against parents or guardians found compelling or encouraging children to beg. Police added that rescued children would be provided protection, counselling and rehabilitation support in coordination with child welfare and protection authorities.

The public has been urged not to encourage child begging and to report such incidents immediately to the nearest police station or the Child Helpline at 1098.