10 beggars, 2 child labourers rescued in Trichy

Trichy: A joint enforcement drive by District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), labour department and police has led to the rescue of 10 beggars and two child labourers in Trichy city. While the beggars were either accommodated in safe shelters or handed over to their families, the two child labourers were produced before the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC).As complaints were received about begging activity on the rise in parts of the city, a joint team of key stakeholders from the social welfare department conducted a synchronised inspection on Tuesday. Areas including Central bus terminus, K K Nagar bus stand and Mannarpuram traffic signal junction were covered. At the end of the daylong drive, six male beggars and four female beggars were rescued by the officials. Of the 10 people counselled, one male beggar and one female beggar said they moved out of their houses and were staying at KK Nagar bus stop and other public spots, relying on food donated by passersby. "We contacted their family members, who arrived and agreed to take care of them. Several of those rescued have disabilities. They agreed to stay in safe shelters recognised by the state govt," a senior official said. The rescued beggars were mentally healthy, understood Tamil and responded to questions, officials added. During the drive, the team also rescued two boys, one who had completed Class IX, and another who completed Class XI. They were employed in a mechanic shop in KK Nagar. Their parents reportedly asked the shop owner to employ the boys since they could not manage them at home during summer holidays. "Two boys were produced before the CWC, their parents and the shopkeeper were warned and sensitised about the offence of employing minor boys," the official added. Trichy district administration has urged locals to complain about begging activities on WhatsApp helpline 63691-03413. In the coming weeks, the drive may focus on commercial streets such as Thillai Nagar and Sastri Road.