Pune, 1st October 2026: Vishrambaug Police have detained two people for allegedly exploiting three minor children by painting their bodies silver and forcing them to beg during Ganeshotsav.
The accused allegedly made the children stand motionless like living statues near Tambdi Jogeshwari in Budhwar Peth, where large numbers of devotees gathered for Ganpati darshan.
According to police, the accused took advantage of the crowds visiting the Ganpati pandals and temples during the festival. They allegedly applied silver-coloured paint to the bodies of the three minors, who are their relatives, and forced them to stand still on the roadside to attract the attention of devotees.
Devotees visiting the area reportedly gave money to the children after seeing them standing like silver statues. However, the money collected by the minors was allegedly used by the accused for their own livelihood, according to the police investigation.
The incident came to light after police received information about the children's exploitation. Senior Police Inspector Navnath Jagtap and his team from Vishrambaug Police Station intervened and rescued all three minors.
A case was registered based on a complaint filed by Police Constable Anil Sable, 27. The two accused have been detained, and legal action has been initiated against them under the Juvenile Justice Act. Vishrambaug Police are conducting further investigations into the case.