The Tamil Nadu Railway Police have begun a month-long drive, “Operation Muskaan” (Operation Smile) in rescuing children who are found roaming around in railway stations premises or travelling without proper guardian in trains.
Its Additional Superintendent of Police, K. Rajavel, spoke among the TRP personnel and members of non-governmental organisation about the importance of early rescuing of children, who otherwise could fall in the hands of human traffickers.
Mr. Rajavel said that the Inspector General of Police (TRP), Seema Agarwal, has instructed the TRP personnel to keep an eye on such children.
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Under the Tiruchi railway police district comprising the southern and central revenue districts had rescued as many as 117 children in 2014. While 47 of them were handed over to their parents, the rest were accommodated at Homes.
“This year, so far, we have rescued 30 children. Fourteen of them were united with their parents while the 16 were admitted in homes,” he said.
Mr. Rajavel said that most of the children ran away from home following dispute with parents or due to pressure on education side. “Some children run away to see the cities,” he said.
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Such children faced the danger of being abducted by human traffickers who involve them in begging or stealing. “Rescuing them will also prevent physical abuse of children and also human trade for organs,” he added.
During the entire month, special teams have been formed in each railway police station to look out for such children, he said.