The Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued two runaway children travelling on Train No. 17309 (Yeshwantpur-Vasco Da Gama Express) on Sunday.

A statement from the RPF, Mysuru Railway Division, stated that the RPF staff in Arsikere, acting upon information received from the Divisional Security Control Room in Mysuru, swung into action and found two children travelling in coach S8.

“During enquiry, the children, aged 11 and 12, revealed that they were students residing in a school hostel at Tumakuru. They stated that they had left the school premises without permission and boarded a train intending to travel towards Hubballi, as their classmates had gone home for holidays while their parents had not come to take them home,” said the statement from Railways.

Following due procedures, both children were safely handed over to the District Child Protection Unit/Child Helpline, Hassan (Arsikere Unit), under proper acknowledgement in the presence of railway officials for further care, counselling, and rehabilitation, the statement said.

“The prompt action of RPF personnel ensured the safety and protection of the children and prevented them from being exposed to potential risks during unsupervised travel,” said the statement.