Cooch Behar, Sept. 9 -- Five minor students from Sitalkuchi who had allegedly left their homes after being scolded by their families were safely reunited with their parents after an alert E-rickshaw driver noticed their suspicious circumstances and took them to the police.
The incident has raised questions in the area, with police investigating whether the students left home solely because of family disputes or whether someone else had influenced or attempted to lure them.
According to police sources, the five minors left their homes in Sitalkuchi over separate issues and subsequently reached Cooch Behar. They went to Cooch Behar Railway Station, reportedly intending to leave the town, but later returned to Cooch Behar. During this time, they approached an E-rickshaw driver and sought his help in finding a rented house.
The driver became suspicious after listening to their conversation and observing their circumstances. Instead of helping them find accommodation, he took all five minors to the traffic police office and subsequently to Cooch Behar Kotwali police station.
During preliminary questioning, the students reportedly told police that they had decided to leave home together after being reprimanded by their respective families over various issues.
However, police are examining whether there was any other reason behind their decision. Investigators are also trying to ascertain whether the minors had been contacted, lured or influenced by anyone. Possible trafficking-related aspects are also being examined, police said. Kotwali police subsequently informed Sitalkuchi police about the matter. After receiving the information, the students' family members reached the Kotwali Police Station.
Later, in the presence of Sitalkuchi police and their family members, all five minors were safely taken back home.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.