According to local media, the children, aged 13-17 years and reportedly from West Bengal, were found making jewellery and bangles. Police detained the unit owner and operator and registered a case under the Juvenile Justice Act and Child Labour laws.
This case emerges as part of a special drive against child labour in the region, with the bust made on 18 August. The children are from different districts of West Bengal and were allegedly staying at the workplace.
“During the inquiry, police learnt that the children were allegedly being made to work for nine to 10 hours a day and were not being paid proper wages. The minors were allegedly subjected to strenuous work at the imitation jewellery unit,” a report explains.
“Police said the establishment owner and operator failed to produce valid documents confirming the ages of the children. The minors also allegedly did not have school records and were not attending school.
“The rescued children have been taken into the care of the authorities for further proceedings. Police are conducting additional investigation into the employment of minors at the unit and the circumstances under which they were brought to Mumbai.”
Authorities questioned two individuals, identified as the owner and operator of the worksite, and expect further legal action.
More reading
Be Warned & Be On Guard: Lessons Learned in the Digital Wild West
Ghost store scammers an increasingly sophisticated issue
Influencer marketing comes under increased scrutiny
Jeweller’s accounts wrongly frozen due to money laundering regulations
Ghost stores scammers come for Tasmania's retail market