As many as 141 children, who were trafficked to Tamil Nadu on the pretext of providing free education along with qualityfood and cloth, were rescued. Of the 141 kids, 38 are from Gajapati and the rest from Kandhamal, Koraput and Rayagada districts.
As per reports, the Coimbatore administration of Tamil Nadu had received allegations that some agents on the pretext of providing free education were keeping minor children from Odisha in various children’s homes and collecting funds under child grant.
After an investigation, the district Collector found that Home of Hope International, a children home embezzled funds meant for free education of the distressed children.
The Collector rescued the children and later contacted the Odisha Women and Child Development Department. Then, the children were sent back home through a three-member delegation from Odisha.