RPF helps nine-year-old boy who left home at Mangaluru station

Railway Protection Force staff found a nine-year-old boy from West Bengal at Mangaluru Central station and handed him to child welfare authorities.

Reports from The Hindu and other Indian outlets say the child was spotted on station CCTV on the morning of October 10. Staff member Vinisha noticed his behaviour, prompting railway security personnel to intervene.

A preliminary inquiry indicated that he had reportedly left home and travelled on the Santragachi Express, train No. 22851. The service leaves Santragachi on Thursdays and is scheduled to reach Mangaluru Central at 8.50 a.m. on Saturdays.

The boy was transferred to the Child Welfare Committee in Mangaluru for care, protection and rehabilitation. The intervention formed part of Operation Nanhe Farishte, which assists missing children, those who have run away and other vulnerable children at railway stations.