Bhubaneswar: Following the arrest of nine members of a gang allegedly involved in using children for begging in Berhampur, the Twin City Police Commissionerate has formed a special team to curb such activities in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

During interrogation, the accused revealed children were being used as a shield while begging at busy intersections and streets. Police said most of the people involved in the racket were Banjara women from outside the state.

According to investigators, the women carrying children and begging at various chowks and streets were reportedly paid around Rs 200 by the gang leader.

Police also suspect the involvement of some of these women in theft cases. Their role in certain loot incidents has reportedly been established during a Test Identification (TI) parade conducted at Jharpada Jail. Authorities are also examining possible links to cases of missing or abducted children.

Earlier, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had attempted to rehabilitate the Banjara women by providing shelter. However, the effort did not succeed as many of them returned to the streets and resumed begging.

Meanwhile, demands for strict action against those involved in such activities have been growing from various quarters.