Hyderabad, July 31, 2025 — Telangana Police, in collaboration with multiple departments and NGOs, conducted Operation Muskaan-XI from July 1 to 31, rescuing 7,678 children from hazardous and exploitative conditions across the state.
The month-long drive targeted vulnerable locations such as railway stations, construction sites, brick kilns, and mechanic shops. Of the rescued children, 7,149 were boys and 529 girls. Notably, 3,787 children were from other Indian states, while 3,783 were Nepalese nationals, highlighting the scale of inter-state and cross-border child labour.
Key findings from the operation:
- 6,718 children were involved in child labour
- 357 were living on the streets
- 42 were found begging
- 2 were in bonded labour
- 559 faced other forms of exploitation
Legal action was swift:
- 1,713 FIRs were registered
- 1,718 offenders arrested
- ₹47.76 lakh in penalties imposed under child labour and wage protection laws
On the rehabilitation front:
- 6,593 children were reunited with their families
- 1,049 were placed in child care homes
- 2,600 migrant children were enrolled in 29 urban bridge schools across Telangana for continued education
In Hyderabad, 1,247 children were rescued, including 14 from Nepal. The city alone saw 55 FIRs and nearly ₹48 lakh in fines against violators.
The operation’s success was made possible through effective coordination between the Police, Women & Child Welfare, Labour, and Health Departments, along with Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, and civil society organizations.
Operation Muskaan-XI stands as a significant step in combating child exploitation and ensuring a safer, more secure future for vulnerable children.
