Bhubaneswar, June 14: In a significant rescue operation, two minor girls engaged in child labor were rescued from the Mancheswar police limits by field workers of Ruchika Social Welfare Organization under the 'Access to Justice' project.
The minors, aged 13 and 10, were reportedly employed as domestic help by a couple residing at Money Tribhuvan Apartment in the Infocity area. According to sources, the elder girl was trafficked from Chandikhole and the younger from Jaraka—both areas in Jajpur district. They were forced to work in the couple’s home under exploitative conditions.
Investigations reveal that the elder girl was paid a meager ₹500 per month, while the younger received ₹1,000. The girls have alleged regular physical abuse by the employers over minor mistakes. Visible injury marks on their bodies support claims of ongoing physical torture.
Unable to tolerate the abuse any longer, the girls managed to escape. Late at night, they were spotted walking on the Palasuni over-bridge by passersby, who promptly alerted Ruchika volunteers and local police.
Police reached the location and rescued the girls, later transferring them to Mancheswar police station. Subsequently, Ruchika representatives presented them before the Additional Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the matter, Ruchika CEO Benudhar Senapati confirmed that a formal FIR will be lodged at Infocity Police Station on the following day. Authorities are expected to initiate legal proceedings against the accused couple.
