Thrissur City: At noon, Civil Police Officer PT Benju Baby Shaktan received a critical message on his wireless set. The message reported that three children—aged ten, six, and four—had gone missing from Nenmara in Palakkad and were suspected to be traveling towards Thrissur. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Benju immediately began his investigation at various locations within the bus stand.
Shortly after receiving the initial alert, Benju received a follow-up message on his phone containing photographs and detailed descriptions of the missing children. Realizing that the Shaktan bus stand would become heavily crowded after three o’clock, Benju knew that time was of the essence. The younger the children, the more vulnerable they were, especially in a bustling environment.
With this in mind, Benju quickly took proactive steps. He boarded all the buses parked at the Shaktan stand, showing the photos of the children to bus conductors, drivers, and passengers. He explained the situation and asked everyone to stay alert and report any sightings of the children immediately. His priority was to find the children before the crowd swelled, making the search more difficult.
Understanding the importance of disseminating the information widely and rapidly, Benju also approached the auto rickshaw drivers in the nearby auto park. He shared the photos and details of the missing children with them, asking for their assistance in the search. Auto rickshaw drivers, with their mobility and local knowledge, could be instrumental in locating the children quickly.
Passengers waiting for buses were also shown the photos and briefed on the situation. Benju requested them to keep an eye out and inform him immediately if they spotted the children. He emphasized the urgency, knowing that the children’s safety depended on swift action from everyone at the bus stand.
As the clock ticked past four o’clock, the weather began to change. Dark clouds gathered, and a light drizzle started, hinting at the possibility of heavier rain. The atmosphere grew dimmer, adding another layer of urgency to the search. Benju continued his relentless investigation, boarding and disembarking from buses, meticulously checking every corner of the bus stand.
During his search, Benju noticed a child sitting beside a bus on the Chavakkad route. His heart raced as he approached the bus and boarded it. There, he found all three children sitting together, looking anxious and scared. He immediately compared their faces with the photos on his phone to confirm their identities. Once certain, he spoke to the children gently, reassuring them that they were safe now.
The bus conductor, noticing the commotion, approached them. Benju explained the situation to the conductor, who then assisted in calming the children. With great care, Benju guided the children off the bus, ensuring they felt secure. He promptly reported their discovery to the traffic unit and made arrangements to transport the children to the women’s station for further care and protection.
Thanks to Benju’s quick thinking, diligent efforts, and effective coordination with the community, the three missing children were found and safely returned. The entire operation highlighted the importance of prompt action, thorough investigation, and community involvement in resolving critical situations.
