SHILLONG, Dec 2: Twenty-five children from Meghalaya, aged between 8 and 13 years, have been rescued from Sowmya Kesanupallii Student Home in Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka, following intervention by the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR). The rescue operation revealed that the children were taken outside the state without proper documentation and kept under poor conditions.
The children were allegedly sent by Leisynshar Cultural Society, an organisation now confirmed to be operating illegally in Meghalaya. The Commission has blacklisted the organisation after finding major procedural and safety violations.
MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha K. Sangma informed that the Deputy Commissioner has issued an official order directing the organisation to cease operations immediately.
“The DC has given an order to stop the organisation from functioning, and an official letter has been issued,” Sangma told reporters on Tuesday.
The rescued children hail from four districts—10 from East Khasi Hills, 7 from East Jaintia Hills, 6 from West Jaintia Hills, and 1 from West Khasi Hills. They were reportedly promised free education and residential facilities, an offer that authorities say was used as a lure for exploitation.
Expressing deep concern, Sangma said many parents are misled by organisations claiming to provide better education outside the state.
“It’s a hoax, and they’re being manipulated. The government is working to upgrade elementary and government schools in Meghalaya,” she added.
At present, the case is pending before the Karnataka High Court, with the children initially placed in the Government Children’s Home in Chikkaballapur. They have now been temporarily shifted to the Children’s Home Girls Mawkasiang, Shillong.
Officials informed that the Social Welfare Department will coordinate with the Education Department to facilitate bridge courses and preparatory classes within the institution to ensure a smooth transition into the 2026 academic session.
The MSCPCR has urged parents to verify credentials of educational agencies and warned all unregistered organisations against transporting children outside the state without government permission.
