In a display of exceptional alertness and coordination, Konkan Railway staff helped rescue a 14-year-old boy who had run away from home and later reunited him safely with his parents. On November 20, 2025, Pradeep Z Shrike, head ticket examiner on Train No 12619 Matsyagandha Express, noticed the boy travelling alone in the general coach. Dressed in his school uniform and carrying a school bag, the child looked anxious. During ticket checking, Shrike found he had no ticket and, after speaking to him further, realised the boy had fled from home.
Sensing the seriousness, Shrike immediately alerted Commercial Control and requested Railway Protection Force (RPF) assistance at Ratnagiri station. The RPF team responded quickly, took the boy into safe custody on arrival and began tracing his family.
Within hours, officers discovered that he was a missing student from Vasco. His worried parents had already circulated messages on local networks seeking help. Thanks to the swift efforts of railway staff and the RPF, the child was soon reunited with his family.
Railway officials praised Shrike for his vigilance and compassion. “Such timely intervention by frontline railway personnel shows how crucial their role is not just in revenue protection but also in safeguarding vulnerable passengers,” a spokesperson said.
A growing concern
RPF data over the years has shown hundreds of minors rescued annually under initiatives like Operation Nanhe Farishtey.
Pune Station (Sept 2025)
In September 2025, the RPF at Pune railway station rescued eight minor boys travelling alone. They were safely taken into custody and later reunited with their families, highlighting how routine checks by railway staff often prevent serious incidents.
Nagpur Station (July 2025)
On July 22, 2025, five schoolgirls from Durg left home without informing their families and boarded a train to Mumbai. They were spotted by RPF personnel at Nagpur railway station, counselled and reunited with their parents through the Child Welfare Committee and local police.
84,119 children rescued (2018-May 2024)
Under Operation Nanhe Farishtey, the RPF has rescued 84,119 children travelling alone or in unsafe conditions over seven years.
