Personnel of Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL) rescued five runaway boys travelling on the Mumbai CSMT-Mangaluru Central Matsyagandha Express (Train No. 12619) and handed them over to the Udupi District Child Help Desk on Wednesday.A communique from KRCL said Travelling Ticket Examiner Sabitha Shetty, who was on duty checking tickets on the train, between Barkur and Udupi, noticed the five boys travelling without tickets in the general coach. Their behaviour aroused suspicion, following which Ms. Shetty promptly informed the Railway Protection Force (RPF) control room and the RPF post.As the train arrived at Udupi Railway Station, RPF Constable Muralidharan attended the general coach and safely rescued the five minor boys before bringing them to the RPF post for further inquiry and counselling. During the inquiry, it was found that the boys had run away from their homes in Bengaluru due to family issues. They had travelled all the way to Mumbai and were on their way to Mangaluru.The children were provided refreshments and subsequently handed over to the Child Help Desk, Udupi, for safe custody, counselling, reunion with their families and further legal action, the communique said. KRCL commended the prompt action of Ms. Shetty and Mr. Muralidharan. Published - July 02, 2026 07:23 pm IST