39 children disappear after being rescued from Madhya Pradesh liquor factory

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) raided a liquor factory in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen on Saturday and rescued 39 child labourers. However, the rescued children disappeared from the factory later, NCPCR chairman alleged.

After rescuing the child labourers, the NCPCR team found that there were burn marks on the children's hands. Such marks occur from exposure to chemicals.

NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanungo received the information that children were employed at the liquor factory, following which he and his team raided the Som factory located in Sehatganj, rescued the children, and handed them over to the administration.

Kanungo said that a complaint was received from Bachpan Bachao Andolan that children are made to work in the factory for around 15–16 hours.

After the incident came under the spotlight, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on his official X handle said, "The case of child labour has come to my notice during a raid on a factory in Raisen district. This matter is very serious. In this regard, detailed information has been obtained from the officials of Labor, Excise and Police departments and instructions have been given for appropriate action. Strictest action will be taken against the culprits."

However, the situation escalated as Priyank Kanungo alleged on Sunday that the rescued child labourers had disappeared from custody.

Taking to X, he said, "Yesterday afternoon, during a raid in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district, we found 39 boys and teenagers employed in the liquor manufacturing work at the Som Distillery who had disappeared from the factory late in the evening."

He said that, as per the law, rescued children are presented before the Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) to record their statements. Following that, a three-member bench of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) passed an order for their rehabilitation.

Speaking with news agency ANI, he said, "At 1:30 pm, we were told that the concerned authorities were being sent there. SDM reached after 5 hours, while ADM (Additional District Magistrate) reached after 7 hours. The culprits made use of the darkness, and the 40 children were taken somewhere. We do not know if the kids have been kidnapped, abducted, or allured. The FIR was registered under bailable sections. The various kinds of compensation amounting to Rs 5–10 lakhs that were supposed to be given to the children cannot be given now."

"The way the CM suspended an official at midnight and took action against him has sent a big message. As a result, the other officials are now looking for the disappeared children," he added.