Panaji: The Goa government has launched an
inquiry after the state-government run medical hospital has
been found to be employing children who were allegedly
trafficked by criminals into the state.
Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(GSCPCR) during their raid this week had come across a
16-year-old boy from Bihar, who was sold in Goa for Rs 15,000.
The boy was working in a canteen of Goa medical college
and hospital near here, which is the state`s largest hospital
facility.
GSCPCR Chairperson Sameera Kazi said the raid was
conducted to identify child labourers employed in the canteen.
The boy, she said, walked to the raiding party and
requested to rescue him from this place as he wanted to get
out from there.
As per the deposition, the boy told authorities that he
was sold to a man by his brother for Rs 15,000.
Originally from Bihar, the boy was initially lodged in
state-run Apna Ghar as he was found abandoned on the road, two
years back.
canteen run by a private contractor in the government
facility.
The raid by GSCPCR this week had rescued 11-year-old boy
while three other boys managed to run away.
The Commission has asked the local police to investigate
into the child trafficking angle.
Police inspector Jivba Dalvi said a thorough enquiry
would be conducted into the matter.
"We will bring to book everyone involved in such
rackets," he said.
PTI
