Children cleared after investigation confirms educational travel
New Delhi: A group of 163 madrasa students who were detained in Madhya Pradesh have been released after spending nearly two weeks in child protection custody. The case involved minors who were travelling from Bihar to attend religious education in other states.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the students were taken off a train on April 10 at Katni and Jabalpur railway stations after authorities received a complaint about their travel arrangements. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) then intervened and placed them in protection units for further inquiry.
Students were travelling with supervisors
Officials confirmed that the children, mostly between the ages of 6 and 14, were travelling under the supervision of eight adults. They were part of a group moving from Patna to different madrasa institutions for educational purposes.
Because the children were travelling without their parents, railway officials initially raised concerns and reported the matter for verification.
Parents confirmed consent during investigation
During the inquiry, Bihar Police conducted checks in the students’ home villages. Parents later confirmed that they had willingly sent their children for education and were aware of their travel plans.
Following this verification, authorities concluded that no trafficking or illegal activity was involved.
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Political response and release
Congress MLA Arif Masood shared a video showing conversations with the students and their supervisors after their release. He confirmed that the children had been freed and were preparing to return home.
Officials released the students on April 24 after completing all legal and protective procedures.
Key takeaway
The investigation ultimately verified that the students were travelling for education with parental consent. After clarification, authorities released all 163 minors from child protection custody.
