Nagpur: A disturbing case of child exploitation and bonded labour has come to light behind the façade of the well-known clothing brand Alishan, sending shockwaves across the city. Minor boys, allegedly lured from Bihar with false promises, were confined in a unit at Itwari and forced to stitch garments round-the-clock under inhuman conditions.
A joint team of the District Women and Child Development Department, the Labour Department, and the District Child Protection Unit conducted a raid on Thursday (February 5) at Nasir Creations in the Gandhibagh area. During the operation, six minor boys were rescued. Two of them are just 13 years old, while the remaining four are between 16 and 17. Preliminary investigations indicate that the children were kept and treated like bonded labourers.
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07 Feb 2026
Officials found that the minors were denied basic facilities and made to work day and night. Shockingly, the garments produced at the unit were allegedly supplied directly to Alishan retail outlets. The entire raid was videographed, and statements of the rescued children were recorded on the spot.
A complaint has been registered at Tehsil Police Station. However, initially, an offence was booked only against Nasir Creations owner Mohammad Nasir Ansari. The absence of charges under bonded labour laws drew strong objections from the Child Welfare Committee, which intervened immediately. The committee has directed authorities to initiate strict action under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
As the investigation’s trail reached the management of Alishan, there has been visible unrest in concerned circles. Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Mendhe confirmed that the role of Alishan’s directors is under investigation.
District Child Protection Officer Mushtaq Pathan has warned that the administration will make no compromises in ensuring justice for the rescued children.
The exposure of this hidden system of child bonded labour behind the city’s glittering retail front has raised serious questions. Whether those responsible will face strict and exemplary action is now being closely watched.
