Mysuru: The Railway Protection Force staff rescued two children at Arsikere railway station on Sunday. Under the Nanhe Farishte initiative, RPF staff from Arsikere successfully rescued two runaway children travelling alone in Train No. 17309 on June 21. Acting on information received from the Divisional Security Control Room, Mysuru, regarding two children found travelling in Coach S-8, the staff immediately attended the train and secured the children safely, the railway authorities said on Monday.During enquiry, the children, aged 11 and 12 years, respectively, revealed that they were students residing in a school hostel at Tumakuru. They stated that they 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. 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 action of RPF personnel ensured the safety and protection of the children and prevented them from being exposed to potential risks during unsupervised travel, the authorities said.Jan-Jagaran initiativeMeanwhile, the RPF, Mysuru division, South Western Railway, as part of the “Jan-Jagaran” initiative, conducted an awareness programme by RPF staff and Railway Signal Department staff at Chikjajur Railway Station and onboard Train No. 56519 KSR Bengaluru-Hosapete Passenger. During the campaign on June 18, passengers were educated on various safety measures, including avoiding acceptance of food items from strangers, remaining vigilant against theft of personal belongings and keeping a close watch on their luggage. Awareness was also created regarding the dangers of footboard travel, trespassing on railway tracks and carrying inflammable articles in trains. Passengers were advised to make use of Railway Helpline No. 139 for any assistance during their journey.
