Operation Svechha: APCID rescues 1,506 children during raids in Andhra Pradesh in 2023

APCID rescues 1,506 child labourers from 17 States in 2023 under 'Operation Svechha'.

The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (APCID) police have said that 1,506 child labourers hailing from 17 States, were rescued during raids conducted in the State during the year 2023.

As many as 984 of the rescued children were engaged in work due to poverty, according to a study taken up by the CID officials.

“Under ‘Operation Svecha’, the Anti-Human-Trafficking Units (AHTUs) conducted raids in four phases across the State,” said CID Additional Director-General (ADG) N. Sanjay.

“The rescue of the seven children below five years of age and 71 minors aged between 6 and 10 years was the most heartwrenching,” Mr. Sanjay said.

Speaking after releasing the first annual report of ‘Operation Svechha’ on Thursday, the Additional Director-General praised the efforts of the Women Protection Cell (WPC), Prevention of Online Sexual Abuse Against Children, NRI Cell and Transgender Persons Protection Cell to protect children, women and transgenders from harassment and sexual abuse and to keep a check on child labour.

A report on ‘Operation Svechha’ would be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Director-General of Police K.V. Rajendranath Reddy, Tamil Nadu Mahila Commission and others appreciated CID Women Protection Cell Superintendent of Police K.G.V. Saritha for her efforts, the Additional Director-General said.

APCID Inspector General Ch. Srikanth appealed to the AHTUs and the Women Protection Cell officers to strive to make Andhra Pradesh a child-labour-free State.