The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued 294 minors (245 boys and 49 girls) in the Bengaluru division alone, up until November this year, as part of its ongoing child protection initiative, ‘Nanhe Faristey’. The children, all under 18, had fled due to family conflicts or in search of better job opportunities and wages. Since the program’s launch in May 2018, the RPF has rescued 84,119 children nationwide, including 11,794 in the past year.
The RPF activates a quick communication network once a vulnerable child is reported, ensuring coordinated action. Children are often intercepted at railway stations or on trains, with alerts sent to all RPF stations for immediate intervention. In 2022, the introduction of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at railway stations provided round-the-clock patrols, further enhancing the safety of children.
Following rescues, the RPF offers immediate care, including food, medical aid, and counseling, while collaborating with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). These bodies determine the best course of action, such as family reunification or rehabilitation.
In response to the rising number of children rescued, particularly between ages 14 and 16, a proposal has been made to add child help desks at other key stations, such as Bengaluru Cantonment post-renovation. The initiative also supports distressed adults, connecting them to NGOs.
Meanwhile, in two separate incidents, a 24-year-old man died in a scooter crash, and a hit-and-run led to the death of a woman and injury of her child.
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