Vacation turns grim: Two children rescued from begging in Hosapete

Hosapete (Vijayanagara): Two schoolgoing boys from Ballari district, found begging with their mother during a rescue operation in the city, had been brought along as schools were closed for summer vacation, officials said.

The boys, aged 10 and 12, were among six children and three women rescued by a joint team of the District Child Protection Unit and police near Puneeth Rajkumar Circle following a complaint received through the Child Helpline.

During inquiry, the boys told officials that their mother brought them along while seeking alms during the school holidays. Authorities later verified with the headmaster that both children were enrolled in school.

The operation also led to the identification of three girls aged below six and a 14-year-old girl from Koppal district. All those rescued were brought to the District Child Protection Unit office for further inquiry.

The matter was placed before the Child Welfare Committee, which directed officials to closely monitor the children’s education. The women were warned in the presence of the District Child Protection Officer and submitted written undertakings that they would not engage in begging in future before being sent back to their native places.

District Child Helpline coordinator Chidanand, Child Protection Unit legal adviser Srikant and other officials participated in the rescue operation.