Owner stares at charges for child labour

With the discovery of the body of a 17-year-old boy at Bhanu Farsan in Saki Naka, authorities are trying to ascertain if the minor had been employed by the illegal unit’s owner Ramesh Bhanushali. It is also likely that the owner will be booked under laws governing child labour.

According to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, people below 14 years of age cannot be engaged in any business or organization, while those between 14 and 18 cannot be permitted to work in hazardous occupations that involving inflammable substance or explosives.

Violators can be punished with two years in jail and a maximum fine of Rs. 50,000. 

“In this case if the minor was employed with the factory unit, the owner exposed the minor to the inflammable substances used in the factory unit. This can lead to the addition of sections of the Child Labour Act. We are  taking an expert opinion to press charges,” said a senior police officer.

Twelve people, mostly labourers, were charred after a fire broke out at the Saki Naka shop on Monday. Initial reports said the fire was triggered by a short-circuit at the tiny structure.