Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 18 2009:
Following the rescue of 25 children from Manipur at Howrah station yesterday morning, the State police have started quizzing the parents and guardians of the children who are all from Senapati district.
According to a report published in The Telegraph, the 25 children aged between six and 14 were rescued at Howrah station while being taken to Andhra Pradesh.
Quoting the three men who were taking the children, the report said that three men were pastors and the kids were being taken to Andhra Pradesh village, Tadetalligudam, where they would be admitted to a good school.
The three men identified as A Athiko, A Loli and Daniel Athiko were arrested after they failed to produce any documents to back their claim, said the report.
A senior officer of Senapati police said that following the receipt of the report from Kolkata, the SDPO has been sent to Kaibi village in the district, where the 25 children hail from.
The SDPO will inquire whether the parents gave their consents to the three men to take their children outside the State.
Action will be taken up on the basis of the report received, said the police officer.
LS Salony of Child Welfare Committee, Senapati informed The Sangai Express that they have also begun investigating whether the three men are pastors or not.
Informing that the Committee is in constant touch with Kolkata based NGOs on the matter, Salony said that they have been told that the children were supposed to be taken to a children home at Andhra Pradesh by the three men.
The Child Line Imphal and officials of Manipur Social Welfare Department are also in touch with West Bengal authorities.
The Committee members may also go to Kolkata, if needed, he said.