Tumakuru: A shocking case of alleged abuse and harassment inside 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 the Bengaluru railway station. Based on the statements given by the children, police have registered a case against a cleric under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and laws related to child labour prohibition.
The incident has triggered serious concern over the safety and living conditions of children staying in residential religious institutions. Authorities have now launched a detailed investigation into the functioning of the madrasa and the allegations made by the children.
According to police sources, the children, all reportedly from Bihar, were studying and staying at the Jamia Arabia Haseenia Trust Madrasa located in Amlapura village of Tumakuru district. However, the children allegedly faced continuous physical assault, intimidation and forced labour at the institution, prompting them to flee during the night.
The matter came to light after Railway Protection Force personnel at the Bengaluru railway station noticed a large group of children moving around suspiciously without adult supervision. When the officials questioned them, the children allegedly narrated disturbing details about the treatment they had faced inside the madrasa.
The children reportedly accused the madrasa’s cleric, identified as Maulvi Moulali, of forcing them to carry stones and mud and making them perform labour-intensive tasks on a daily basis. According to the statements given by the children, they were allegedly beaten brutally if they refused to work or failed to complete the assigned tasks.
Some of the children also claimed that they were not provided proper food regularly and were subjected to constant harassment and fear inside the institution. Unable to bear the alleged abuse any longer, the children are said to have collectively planned their escape and travelled to Bengaluru.
After the matter was brought to the notice of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the case was transferred to Tumakuru authorities for further action. Based on the preliminary inquiry and the children’s statements, Tumakuru Rural Police registered an FIR against the accused cleric.
Police have booked the accused under provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Officials said further legal sections may be added depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Sources said the rescued children have been placed under the care of child welfare authorities and are being counselled. Officials are also trying to contact their families in Bihar and verify how the children were brought to Karnataka and admitted to the madrasa.
The incident has raised larger questions about monitoring mechanisms in residential educational and religious institutions housing minors. Child rights activists have demanded strict action against those responsible and called for regular inspections of such institutions to ensure the safety and welfare of children.
Police officials said the investigation is still at a preliminary stage and more details are expected to emerge after questioning the madrasa management, staff and other individuals connected to the institution. Authorities are also examining whether similar incidents had taken place in the past and whether more children may have been subjected to abuse.
The case has created widespread outrage and concern across, with many urging the government to strengthen oversight systems to prevent exploitation and mistreatment of children in educational institutions.
