Ahead of the detention of 163 Muslim students and eight teachers by the Government Railway Police (GRP) while travelling on a train on alleged child labor, parents cite anti-Muslim bias, saying that they were targeted because of their religious identity.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) conducted the operation after receiving a tip-off from the Child Welfare Committee. Officials stated that the children, aged between six and 13, were traveling from Bihar’s Araria district to Maharashtra’s Latur.
Police officials said the intervention was necessary due to the lack of valid travel documents and tickets. Katni RPF Inspector Virendra Singh confirmed that authorities grew suspicious during inspection, prompting immediate action.
Child Protection Officer Manish Tiwari stated that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating possible child trafficking. Officials added that such preventive measures aim to protect minors from exploitation.
Teachers Claim Educational Purpose
The detained teachers denied all allegations of trafficking. They claimed they were escorting the children to a madrasa in Latur for religious education, adding that similar travel arrangements had occurred in the past.
Katni GRP Station House Officer L.P. Kashyap said that during questioning, the teachers consistently maintained that the journey was education-related.
Parents Allege Religious Discrimination
Meanwhile, parents of the children criticized the authorities, alleging anti-Muslim bias. During a press conference in Bihar’s Araria district, several families claimed that officials targeted the children because of their religious identity.
Bibi Anjuman, a resident of Kundilpur, questioned the restrictions, stating that her grandchildren had previously traveled for better educational opportunities without issues. Another parent, Mohammed Shaukat, alleged that authorities delayed releasing the children even after families arrived in Katni.
Parents also raised concerns about the children’s treatment after detention. They alleged that minors experienced trauma while staying in shelter homes under official supervision.
These claims have intensified calls for accountability and transparency in handling such sensitive cases involving children.
Legal Challenge Filed Against FIR
Legal representatives Mohammed Rameez and Mohammed Nawaz have challenged the FIR registered at Katni GRP station. They argue that the authorities acted without sufficient grounds and violated the rights of the children and their guardians.
Qazi Atiqullah of Imarat-e-Shariah emphasized that traveling for religious education is a long-standing and legally protected practice in India.
