A 13-year-old girl was rescued by authorities in Guwahati, Assam, after being found locked inside the storage compartment of a bed during a raid on a private residence. The operation, conducted by the District Labour Task Force with a magistrate present on February 1, 2026, followed complaints from local residents that a minor was being illegally employed as a domestic worker and subjected to abuse.
According to officials, the girl had been working in the household for nearly six years, starting from early childhood, a period that, if confirmed, would indicate she was employed in domestic work from around the age of seven. During the approach of authorities, the homeowner allegedly attempted to conceal the child by placing her inside the bed’s storage box, where she remained for approximately 25 minutes until officials located and freed her.
The raid was initiated after a tip-off from neighbours who reported concerns about a young girl being kept and mistreated at the residence in Panjabari’s Juripar area (House No. 69). Initial attempts by the accused, identified in reports as Arina Laskar Khatoon and possibly other household members, included denying the minor was present and asserting her father had taken her away.
Officials, noting inconsistent statements and suspicious behaviour, insisted on a full search of the premises. When they entered a bedroom and inspected the furniture, they discovered the girl inside the divan (bed storage box) in a severely weakened and distressed state. She was immediately given water and pulled from the confined space, visibly shaken and tearful.
During preliminary questioning, the girl reportedly confirmed that she had been employed in the home for years and that she was subjected to repeated physical abuse over time.
After being rescued, the minor was removed from the premises and taken into protective custody. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation and are expected to initiate legal action under relevant child protection and labour laws.
Cases involving the illegal employment of children and physical abuse fall under strict provisions in Indian law, including the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, which prohibit the employment of minors in domestic work and other hazardous conditions.
(Rh)