Five Runaway Minors Rescued from Matsyagandha Express, Reunited with Parents in Udupi
By ETF Desk
On Tuesday 12 March, five minor passengers were spotted holding signs demanding to be let off the Matsyagandha Express as it neared the Udupi train station. CCTV footage and eyewitness reports confirmed that the youths had boarded the train while on their way to a local carnival and, unassisted, attempted to leave the carriage before the conductor could intervene.
Local police and railway security forces coordinated quickly, deploying a rapid‑response team that boarded the train at a safe distance. The officers communicated with the passengers, calming the situation and escorting the minors to the station baggage yard where they were examined and handed over to their waiting families.
The incident has highlighted concerns about child safety on public transport, prompting the railways to review boarding protocols and the provision of child‑friendly zones. The rescued minors' parents expressed relief and appreciation to the rail staff for their prompt action. Source: Google News – Udupi.