At just 16, Salman* had already taken a bold leap, leaving his village in Uttar Pradesh behind to try his hand at work in a faraway city. A resident of New Basti in Bhokarheri, Muzaffarnagar, Salman came from a family of six. His father, Irfan, worked as a pickup van driver, while his mother, Rubina, managed the household. His elder sister helped at home, while his three younger sisters studied in a madrasa. Salman, however, had never attended school. Despite his parents’ efforts to send him to a madrasa, his interest in studies was always fleeting. Hoping he would pick up some life skills, his father arranged for him to travel with his cousin to Bangalore to work in catering.
Dreams Turn into Struggle
At first, the journey seemed like a new chapter. But soon, Salman found himself overwhelmed by the pace, pressure, and unfamiliarity of city life. The work wasn’t what he had expected. He grew homesick and uncomfortable. When he asked his cousin to send him back, his request was dismissed. So, Salman made a daring decision—he would return home alone, without telling anyone.
A Daring Journey Home
On an April afternoon, he left Koda by auto and reached Hindupur Railway Station. There, he boarded a train bound for Jaipur. After a long journey, he reached Jaipur early the next morning. Without much rest, he bought another ticket to Old Delhi. But when the train stopped at Delhi Cantt Railway Station, Salman, unfamiliar with the station, mistakenly got off, thinking he had reached his destination.
It didn’t take long for confusion and fear to set in. When he realized it wasn’t Old Delhi, he panicked. A man at the station tried to help, suggesting he go to Nizamuddin Railway Station to catch a train to Muzaffarnagar. Salman waited, unsure which train to take next.
Rescued at the Right Time
It was at this moment of uncertainty that the Railway Children India (RCI) outreach team spotted him. Seeing his anxious face and hesitant steps, they gently approached and began a conversation. Salman shared each leg of his journey, each decision made in desperation.
The team brought him to the Child Help Booth, where he was offered food, water, and most importantly, assurance. He was told about RCI’s work and received counselling. A First Interaction Report was prepared and shared with the Child Safety (C.S.) group. The team then took Salman to the GRP (Government Railway Police) Station at Delhi Cantt.
Reunited with Family
When asked for a contact number, Salman gave his father’s. His father, though relieved, informed the team that he wasn’t in Delhi and requested that his brother, Salman’s uncle, collect him instead. When his uncle arrived, identity documents were thoroughly verified for Salman, his parents, and the uncle.
The GRP duty officer asked if the family wished to get Salman medically examined, but the uncle declined. A General Diary (GD) entry was made. A handover photograph was taken with the RCI and GRP teams, marking the end of a long, uncertain journey and the beginning of a safe return.
*Name and details changed to protect the confidentiality of the child.
