Over 7,600 children rescued under Operation Muskaan-XI

Operation Muskaan-XI targeted high-risk areas such as railway and bus stations, brick kilns, mechanic shops, construction sites, tea stalls, and religious places

A total of 7,678 children were rescued from vulnerable and exploitative conditions as part of Operation Muskaan-XI, a month-long child rescue initiative conducted across Telangana from July 1 to 31, 2025. 121 Sub-Divisional police teams comprising 786 police personnel participated in the mission.

The drive targeted high-risk areas such as railway and bus stations, brick kilns, mechanic shops, construction sites, tea stalls, and religious places. It was carried out in coordination with the Women Development and Child Welfare Department, Labour and Health Departments, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), and NGOs.

Of the total children rescued, 7,149 were boys and 529 were girls. More than half of the children, 3,787, were from outside Telangana, including children from 12 States. Another 3,783 children were from Nepal.

The operation found that 6,718 children were engaged in child labour, 357 were street children, 42 were found begging, and two were in bonded labour. Additionally, 559 children were employed in other hazardous or exploitative roles.

In terms of legal action, 1,713 FIRs were registered and 1,718 individuals were arrested. A total of 1,745 children were rescued as part of these criminal investigations. The Labour Department submitted 1,613 inspection reports.

As many as 6,593 children were reunited with their families, while 1,049 were admitted to child care homes. Labour Department officials imposed penalties amounting to ₹47.76 lakh for violations under the Minimum Wages Act and Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act.

In a progressive step, 2,600 migrant children rescued during the operation were enrolled in 29 urban bridge schools across the State, ensuring they are given educational opportunities and a path towards reintegration.

1,247 rescued in Hyd.

The Hyderabad city police, in coordination with multiple departments and NGOs, rescued 1,247 children during the month-long Operation Muskaan XI conducted from July 1 to 31. The initiative was aimed at rescuing children engaged in child labour, begging, and those found in unsafe environments across the city.

The operation was carried out with the support of the Child Welfare Committee, Labour Department, Department of Women and Child Welfare, Child Line, Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), Juvenile Bureau, and several NGOs.

A total of 28 divisional teams were formed for this special drive. These teams conducted inspections and rescue operations at commercial establishments, traffic junctions, bus and railway stations, construction sites, and other vulnerable locations across Hyderabad.

Of the 1,247 children rescued, 1,173 were boys and 74 were girls. While 673 of them belonged to Telangana, 560 were from other States. Fourteen children were identified as nationals of Nepal. The rescued children were handed over to appropriate authorities for rehabilitation and counselling.

To initiate legal action against those responsible for employing children in violation of the law, police registered 55 FIRs across various police stations. In addition, 939 cases were booked under the Minimum Wages Act and fines amounting to ₹47,75,921 were imposed on erring employers.

A coordination meeting with all stakeholder departments was held prior to the operation, followed by a video conference with the 28 divisional teams. The structured planning and coordination contributed significantly to the success of the initiative. Further follow-up actions and legal proceedings are under way.