DNA report confirms parentage of six children, united with family

Two months after the administration rescued children from begging, who were suspected to be victims of child trafficking, and DNA tests were conducted on them, now reports of the DNA had confirmed the parentage of six of the children, following which they were united with their parents. It’s worth noting that these children had been away from their families for about two months and were kept at Heavenly Palace, Doraha.

If these children are forced to beg again, the administration can declare them as unfit guardians and give the kids up for adoption.

Notably on July 20, a raid was conducted in the city. The district administration had then claimed to have rescued 18 children from begging and trafficking under Project Jeevanjyot 2.0 during a citywide raid. The 12 adults accompanying the children claimed to have documents confirming their DNA profiles and were asked to produce the same after the kids were sent to a children’s home in Doraha.

Six children were suspected of being victims of child trafficking as their parents could not show required documents. Then on July 23, DNA tests were conducted at the Civil Hospital on the children and the adults accompanying them to establish parentage. Now, the report has confirmed their parentage. Of the 12 children whose parents claimed to have documentary evidence, nine have already been found to be the children of the adults and were already returned to their parents, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Rashmi Sahni said, adding that three of the 12 children were still being held at the children’s home, two of whom have claimed their parents have documents, and they are awaiting their submission. One child is nearing 18 and has not been accompanied by an adult.

DCPO Rashmi said: “We did not find any victims of child trafficking among the children rescued during that raid. Now, the children have been returned to their families. Officials will warn their parents not to force the children to beg.”