Officials of the District Social Welfare Office rescued 42 inmates — 30 girls and 12 boys — from two unlicensed homes run by an NGO at Royapuram and Korukkupet on Friday. Two persons — Ananthiammal (57), secretary, and Thavasimani (33), treasurer of the NGO, have been arrested and the homes have been sealed.
S. Revathi, district social welfare officer, said they along with the Child Welfare Committee conducted an inspection of the two homes after receiving a petition two days ago. The NGO did not possess any licence to provide shelter and care for the children required as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children), Act.
The officials rescued the inmates of the homes — three children below five years, 30 between five and 18 years, and nine above 18 years. The arrested were produced before the George Town court, remanded in custody and lodged in Puzhal Prison.
