11 minors rescued from Ahmedabad restaurant

Ahmedabad: In a crackdown against child labour, a coordinated operation by police and the child rights group, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, led to the rescue of 11 minors from the Iskcon Thal restaurant near the SG Highway in Ahmedabad, officials said on Wednesday.

The operation was done on Tuesday.

Upon receiving credible information from Damini, an active member of the Bachpan Bachao Andolan with a track record of exposing child labour practices, a team quickly assembled to conduct the raid.

The minors were found working under harsh conditions for extended hours They were being compensated with a meager salary of Rs 8,500 per month per child.

A breakdown of the rescued children revealed four 17-year-olds, six aged 16, and one as young as 13.

The Satellite police in Ahmedabad have since initiated legal actions, arresting the restaurant's manager and filing a complaint against the establishment's owner.

The matter was under investigation and there is speculation of bigger organised crime, said sources.

More details were awaited.