20 kids, 4 women beggars rescued by district administration

Patna: The district administration on Friday rescued 20 children and four women found begging at prominent road intersections and religious sites.The drive was carried out under the orders of Patna district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M to combat child exploitation and trafficking.The mission was a joint effort involving the district child protection unit, the child helpline, and the anti-human trafficking unit. Targeted areas included high-traffic zones such as the Dak Bungalow crossing, Exhibition Road, and Buddha Smriti Park, as well as the Iskcon and Rajvanshi Nagar Hanuman temple.Following their rescue, all were produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Under the CWC’s directives, seven girls and six boys were transferred to the large shelter homes in Bihta for long-term care and rehabilitation. Additionally, four women found using children for begging were shifted to Shanti Kutir under the social welfare department’s chief minister beggary prevention scheme.Authorities said that the drive will now be conducted twice every month to ensure that the city’s children are protected from trafficking and reintegrated into a safe educational environment.