New Delhi: Nineteen minors, including 14 tribal girls, were rescued today after raids at fake placement agencies and a chocolate manufacturing unit in northwest Delhi, police said.

The raids followed an investigation by NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), an organisation founded by Nobel prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, and were conducted by officials of the local police and administration.

Four persons were arrested for allegedly bringing children from poor families to Delhi and giving them up to serve as menial workers at low wages, said a BBA representative.

The girls, who hailed from different districts of Jharkhand, Assam and West Bengal, were rescued during raids at four "illegal" placement agencies based in the Shakurpur area, said a senior police officer. The five boys were rescued during another raid at a chocolate manufacturing unit in the Keshavpuram area.

"Almost half of the stay-at-home labour employed in Delhi is underage. This constitutes about 5 lakh minors who are being abused and neglected in the capital," claimed RS Chaurasia, chairperson of the organisation.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.