700 runaway kids reunited with kin

Mumbai: The Mumbai Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials’ reunited 700 runaway children with their families in 2017, most of whom had fled from their homes in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The reasons varied in each of their cases, however most of them fled after being pulled up by their parents or wanted to meet Bollywood celebrities and to see glimpses of the financial capital.

Out of the 706 children rescued by the RPF on western railway, 528 – including 360 boys were rescued from western line railway stations, whereas 178 kids, including 115 boys, were reunited from the central suburban railway stations.

The highest number of these children is in the age group of 13to18 years, officials said. Most of the runaway children, 129, were found at Mumbai Central station, with 22 outstation trains terminating there everyday.

The cases of runaway kids include a juvenile from Rajasthan who had fled home to become a Bollywood artist. Another one from Surat had come to Mumbai to meet his favourite Bollywood star with the actor’s address written on his palm. Some had fled from homes after parents scolded them for not studying.

These children are given to the childline officials or other non-profits working for children. After coaxing them to share their story, they are produced child welfare committee for repatriation.

The local police in their home state are informed about the child and he is sent home along with police escort. At least 425 out of 706 children were re-united with the parents whereas 265 children’s parents could not be traced.

They have been sent to children’s home. Another 16 of the rescued children have been handed over to the GRP (Government Railway Police for completion of procedures by them.