Chhattisgarh: 13 Baiga Tribe Children Rescued from Bonded Labour Near Kanha National Park

In Chhattisgarh’s Kabirdham district, police and child protection agencies rescued 13 children from the Baiga tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The children, aged 8 to 15, were allegedly forced into bonded labour at cattle rearing units near Kanha National Park. The rescue followed a two-week investigation by the Association for Voluntary Action (AVA), which worked with police, Childline, and the Women and Child Development Department.

Investigators said the children were trafficked from remote villages seven to eight months ago after being lured with promises of money and better living conditions. Instead, they were made to work over 10 hours daily in harsh conditions and paid only ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per month. Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh said immediate action was taken after credible intelligence was received. An FIR has been lodged, and efforts are ongoing to arrest all perpetrators involved in the network.

The rescue began with four children found at one site. After being rescued, they helped identify other locations where more minors were being held. This led to a wider operation across four places in the district. By the end of the day-long raid, all 13 children were rescued and 10 traffickers were arrested. Police said the accused exploited vulnerable tribal families by offering small amounts of money and false promises of a better future.

Child rights organisations described the incident as a serious reflection of the vulnerability of tribal communities to trafficking networks. Manish Sharma, Senior Director of AVA, said the rescue highlights the growing vulnerability of children from marginalised tribal communities. He added that it is deeply disturbing that children as young as eight are pushed into hazardous and exploitative working conditions, and stressed the need for rehabilitation, education, and dignity for them.

After the rescue, all 13 children were shifted to child care institutions for immediate protection and care. They are being produced before the Child Welfare Committee for further rehabilitation procedures. Police have registered cases under laws related to human trafficking, bonded labour, child labour, and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act against the arrested suspects. Authorities said further investigation is underway to dismantle the wider trafficking network and trace other possible victims.