Udupi: A minor girl from Halebeedu was rescued in a distressed and helpless condition near the Bannanje Mahalingeshwara Temple in Udupi on Sunday, following the timely intervention of a devotee, social workers and the city police. The girl has since been placed under protective care, and steps are being taken to ensure her rehabilitation in accordance with child welfare guidelines.
The incident came to light when Prema Ramachandra, a resident of Adi Udupi, visited the Bannanje Mahalingeshwara Temple for darshan. She noticed the minor girl loitering near the temple premises and observed that her behaviour appeared unusual and indicative of distress.
Devotee’s alertness leads to rescue
Sensing that something was amiss, Prema Ramachandra approached the girl and spoke to her. During the interaction, the girl reportedly revealed that she had left her home after feeling distressed and overwhelmed by personal circumstances. Concerned for the child’s safety and well-being, Prema Ramachandra immediately decided to seek help rather than leaving the girl unattended.
She promptly informed social worker Nithyananda Olkadu about the situation. Acting without delay, Nithyananda contacted the Udupi city police and apprised them of the presence of the minor girl near the temple and her vulnerable condition.
Police and social workers act swiftly
Following the alert, city police officials reached the spot and took steps to ensure the girl’s immediate safety. With the assistance of social workers and volunteers, the minor was shifted to Balika Bala Mandira at Doddangudde, where she was provided temporary shelter, food and care.
Harish Poojary of Udyavara also extended assistance during the rescue operation, coordinating with the police and social workers to ensure that the girl was safely accommodated and protected from further harm.
Police officials said that placing the child in a recognised shelter home was essential to ensure her security while her background and circumstances were verified.
Missing case traced to Udupi
Meanwhile, it emerged that a missing complaint regarding the girl had already been registered at the Halebeedu police station. After receiving information that the minor had been traced in Udupi, Halebeedu police officials travelled to the city along with the girl’s mother.
The officials coordinated with the Udupi city police and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to follow due legal procedure in handling the case. The girl was later produced before the chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, as mandated under child protection laws.
In the presence of the CWC chairperson, the girl was formally handed over to the Halebeedu police for further action.
Child refuses to return home
However, officials said that the girl refused to return with her mother, citing personal reasons and emotional distress. Taking note of her unwillingness and considering her best interests, the authorities decided not to force her to return home immediately.
Officials said the welfare of the child remains the top priority and that any decision regarding her future would be taken only after counselling and careful assessment of her physical and emotional state.
Rehabilitation process initiated
As the girl declined to go back with her family, officials confirmed that the process is under way to provide her rehabilitation at the Balika Bala Mandira in Chikkamagaluru. The shelter home is equipped to offer counselling, education support and psychological care to minors in distress.
Child welfare officials said that the girl would be provided with counselling to help her cope with her situation and to assess long-term rehabilitation options. Further steps will be taken based on recommendations from counsellors and the Child Welfare Committee.
Importance of community intervention
The incident has highlighted the crucial role played by alert citizens and social workers in safeguarding children. Police officials praised the presence of mind shown by Prema Ramachandra and the prompt action taken by social worker Nithyananda Olkadu.
“Timely information and cooperation from the public are vital in such cases. Early intervention can prevent children from falling into unsafe situations,” a police officer said.
Authorities have urged citizens to report any instance where a child appears to be in distress or unsafe, assuring that such information will be handled sensitively and in line with legal provisions.
Conclusion
The rescue of the minor girl near the Bannanje Mahalingeshwara Temple underscores the importance of vigilance, compassion and coordinated action in child protection cases. With the involvement of the police, social workers and the Child Welfare Committee, steps are now being taken to ensure the girl’s safety, rehabilitation and overall well-being as per established child welfare norms.