CBI impleaded in trafficking case of children

Kerala High Court today suo motu impleaded CBI in a petition that sought probe by the central agency into the trafficking of 588 children from Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal to the orphanages in the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice P R Ramachandra Menon issued notice to CBI on the petition filed by one M Rajendra Prasad.
The bench observed that since the incident had inter-state ramifications, it would be desirable to have an investigation by CBI.
The court expressed its anguish in transfer of girl children below five years of age. The bench observed that the "children were brought not for fun, not for schooling and nor for picnic. Is it not a serious issue?"

Advocate General K P Dandapani submitted on behalf of the state government that effective investigation in the case was on. A special team had been constituted by crime branch for probing.
The judges observed that there has to be proper investigation. The court should know how the children are coming, the purpose, what is happening?

"We are the custodian, guardians of children and we cannot ignore their welfare. Even if it is one child, we are concerned," the bench said.
The petition has been posted to Monday.
Meanwhile, notices issued to Social Welfare Departments of the three states were not served.