Udupi: Five runaway minors rescued from Matsyagandha Express, reunited with parents

Udupi: Five runaway minors rescued from Matsyagandha Express, reunited with parents

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jul 2, 2026: Five minor boys who had allegedly run away from their homes due to family-related issues were rescued by Konkan Railway staff and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) aboard the Matsyagandha Express and were later reunited with their parents.

The incident came to light on Wednesday after Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) Savita Shetty, while checking tickets on Train No. 12619 Matsyagandha Express between Barkur and Udupi stations, found five boys travelling in the general coach without valid tickets. Their suspicious behaviour prompted her to immediately alert the Railway Police control room at Udupi.

As soon as the train arrived at Udupi railway station, RPF constable Muralidharan boarded the coach and safely escorted the boys off the train for counselling and questioning. They were then taken to the RPF outpost.

During the inquiry, railway police officials learned that all five boys had left their homes without informing their families due to domestic issues. The children were provided with food and refreshments before being handed over to child protection authorities for further legal procedures, as they were all minors.

The boys were later identified as residents of Bengaluru and were temporarily accommodated at a government children’s home for their safety. Their parents were informed, and on Thursday, after appearing before the Child Welfare Committee and submitting the required documents, they took custody of their children.