A shocking case of alleged abuse and forced labour at a madrasa in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district has come to light after 24 children reportedly escaped from the institution and were later found wandering at Bengaluru railway station. The incident has triggered serious concern among child welfare authorities and police officials.
According to reports, the children, all reportedly from Bihar, were staying at the Jamia Arabia Haseenia Trust madrasa located in Amlapura village of Tumakuru district for religious education. However, the children allegedly fled the madrasa after facing continuous harassment, physical abuse and forced labour by the madrasa’s maulvi.
The children were discovered at Bengaluru railway station by personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), who became suspicious after noticing a large group of minors moving around alone under unusual circumstances. When questioned, the children allegedly revealed disturbing details about their lives inside the madrasa.
According to the children’s statements, the madrasa’s maulvi, identified as Maulali, allegedly forced them to carry stones and perform hard physical labour daily. The children claimed they were made to transport mud and construction materials and were beaten brutally if they refused to work or were unable to complete the tasks.
Some children also alleged that they were not provided proper food regularly and were subjected to severe physical punishment and mental harassment. Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, the children reportedly escaped from the madrasa during the night and travelled to Bengaluru.
The matter came to the attention of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), after which the case was transferred to Tumakuru authorities for further investigation.
Police have now registered an FIR against the maulvi at the Tumakuru Rural Police Station under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Child Labour Prohibition Act.
Authorities stated that the children are currently under protection and their statements are being recorded as part of the investigation. Officials are also trying to contact the families of the children in Bihar and verify how they were brought to the madrasa.
The case has raised serious questions regarding the safety and monitoring of residential educational institutions housing minors. Child rights activists have demanded strict action against those responsible if the allegations are proven true.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether additional individuals were involved and whether similar incidents had occurred earlier inside the institution.
Authorities are also expected to inspect the madrasa premises and examine records related to student accommodation, management and child welfare compliance.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many users demanding stronger protection systems for children staying in hostels, religious institutions and residential schools across the country.
Investigators believe more details about the alleged abuse and working conditions inside the madrasa could emerge once the inquiry progresses further.
