Bengaluru: Four people from other States have been arrested for allegedly forcing 13 children to beg at traffic signals across Bengaluru. The children were rescued during a joint operation conducted by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Women Protection Wing and the Social Welfare Department near Kogilu Cross.

The operation was carried out on October 12, 2026, following information that several people were staying in makeshift huts beneath a flyover near Kogilu Cross, within the Yelahanka police station limits, and allegedly using children for begging.

According to police, the rescued children included toddlers and teenagers. The operation is part of efforts to identify and prevent the exploitation of minors for financial gain.

Police raid huts near Kogilu Cross

Acting on a tip-off, personnel from the CCB Women Protection Wing, along with Social Welfare Department officials, conducted a raid on the makeshift shelters located on the footpath beneath the flyover.

During the operation, four people from other States were detained and questioned about their involvement with the children.

Police said the accused allegedly admitted during questioning that they had kept the children with them and made them beg at traffic signals across Bengaluru to earn money.

The four accused were subsequently handed over to Yelahanka police for further legal action. The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances in which the children came into their care and the extent of the alleged exploitation.

13 children rescued and produced before Child Welfare Committee

The 13 children were rescued during the operation and produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), along with a report for further action.

Authorities are working to trace the children’s biological parents and establish their family backgrounds. The process is expected to help officials determine appropriate care and protection measures for the rescued minors.

Police sources also suspect that some children may have been handed over by their own parents in exchange for money. This aspect remains a suspicion and requires further investigation.

The authorities have not disclosed the identities of the children or the four accused in the available report.

Investigation into alleged child exploitation continues

The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of children who are allegedly made to beg in public places. Children engaged in begging may face risks to their safety, education and overall well-being.

The joint operation brought together the CCB Women Protection Wing and the Social Welfare Department to identify children at risk and initiate protective action.

With the four accused handed over to Yelahanka police, further legal proceedings and investigation are expected to follow. Authorities will also continue working through the Child Welfare Committee to determine the children’s circumstances and trace their families.

The case highlights the importance of coordinated action by law enforcement and child-protection agencies to identify suspected exploitation and ensure the safety of vulnerable children.