Published Sep 08, 2026 | 5:20 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 08, 2026 | 5:20 PM
Bengaluru Police.
Synopsis: Hours after Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar ordered action against child labour at Bengaluru’s Yeshwanthpur APMC market, police and Labour Department officials rescued 19 children in a joint operation. Several cases were registered against shop owners, while 10 other children found working roadside were produced before the Child Welfare Committee.
Hours after Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar directed officials to act against child labour at the Yeshwanthpur APMC market, Bengaluru Police said 19 child labourers were rescued in a joint operation by police and Labour Department officials.
Shivakumar had visited the market on the morning of Tuesday, September 8, to inspect conditions and interact with farmers, labourers and traders. During the visit, members of the public brought to his notice that children were being employed in some shops, following which he directed officials to take immediate action.
Following the CM’s directions, five special teams comprising ACPs, police inspectors and labour inspectors were formed under the supervision of the North Division DCP and carried out an operation across the market.
Police said the 19 rescued children included 13 from Bihar, including a girl, two each from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, and one boy each from Rajasthan and Karnataka.
Also Read: ‘The police kept saying I was Bangladeshi’: Inside Bengaluru’s migrant verification drive
The RMC Yard Police registered four cases against shop owners under provisions of child labour laws and the Juvenile Justice Act. Five cases were registered against shop owners under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Investigations are underway.
Police also said 10 children found working on the roadside were rescued and produced before the Child Welfare Committee, Bengaluru, for further necessary action.
The operation involved eight police inspectors, seven labour inspectors and other officials, and was carried out under senior Bengaluru Police officers.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
