52 minor tribal children rescued from Ganjam

All the children, aged between five and 12, belonged to different villages in the backward district of Kandhamal and had been brought from their houses by a man who had assured their poor parents that he would find them better education and residential facilities.

The rescued children told police that they were kept in distressed conditions and were routinely tortured.

Freedom from captivity

The issue came to light when one of the children managed to flee from captivity and informed local villagers of the plight of those remained locked in the houses.

Ganjam district officials said arrangements were being made to send the children back to their respective villages in Kandhamal. “We have already discussed the matter with Kandhamal district administration,” Deputy Collector of Ganjam Dhananjay Swain said.

Police were unable to trace Amit Kumar Digal, a man from Raikia area of Kandhamal who had transported the children from the tribal district. They are also investigating the real purpose in bringing the children to Ganjam.