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K'taka: Madrasa preacher booked over allegations of physical abuse, forced labour of children
An FIR was filed against Moulali, a madrasa preacher in Amlapura village, Tumakuru district, after reports that 24 children escaped amid allegations of physical abuse and forced labour, including building a wall inside the campus. The children were located at Bengaluru's Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station by Railway Protection Force, taken to a child helpline, and the Child Welfare Committee was informed. The case is under investigation and has been transferred to Tumakuru Rural Police.
Why It Matters
This case underscores the ongoing concern for child protection and enforcement of juvenile justice and child labour laws in Karnataka.
Timeline
4 Events
Children placed under care of Child Welfare Committee
May 13, 2026
During counselling, the children said they fled the institution due to abuse and could no longer tolerate it; they are currently under the care of the Child Welfare Committee.
Railway Protection Force locates children at Bengaluru station; chaperoned to safety
May 13, 2026
Railway Protection Force personnel found the 24 children at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station in Bengaluru while they were attempting to return home to Bihar after escaping the madrasa; the children, aged 8 to 17 years, were taken to the child helpline centre and the Child Welfare Committee was informed.
FIR registered against madrasa preacher Moulali; 24 children alleged abuse and forced labour
May 13, 2026
An FIR was registered against Moulali, a madrasa preacher at Amlapura village in Tumakuru district, under the Juvenile Justice Act, the Child Labour Act, and related provisions, after reports that 24 children escaped from the madrasa amid allegations of physical abuse and being made to perform construction work including building a compound wall inside the campus. The children were not permitted to speak to their families.
Case transferred to Tumakuru Rural Police Station
May 12, 2026
The case was initially registered by the Railway Police and later transferred to the Tumakuru Rural Police Station; authorities said a detailed investigation is underway.