Thane:
As many as 17 child labourers were rescued from different establishments in Bhayander in Thane and five persons were arrested, police said today.
A total of 17 children, all under the age of 14, were rescued from Navghar locality in Bhayandar yesterday, while five persons were arrested under Thane district Rural police's massive drive against child labour, senior police inspector Kishore Khairnar told reporters.
He said police had received complaints of child labourers being engaged in commercial establishments at a large scale in the area, following which raids were conducted yesterday.
Police raided five establishments where children were engaged in making snack food items and few at bakeries, he said, adding, all rescued children have been sent to a rehabilitation centre in Ulhasnagar.
Those arrested were Arun Jawan (35), Sunil Yadav (25), Rahul Pal (20), Tejban Yadav (30) and Mushi Raes Khan (22).
The raids were conducted with a task force of Labour Commissioners Office, the officer added.
All the five men were booked under IPC sections 374 (unlawful compulsory labour) and also section 3, 14 of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, and other relevant sections of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Act.