Finding lost children: In conversation with Lopamudra Mullick of Railway Children India

RAILWAY stations are dangerous places for unaccompanied children. Railway stations are crowded and have thousands of people walking in and out of its gates each hour, often from far away places. It is therefore considered a “prime location” to abduct children and make them disappear forever. The children have either been snatched from their families, been abandoned at railway stations or are homeless children who have taken up residence at railway stations. This latter group of children are called railway children. 

Railway Children India is an NGO that has a presence across 35 major railway stations across India and looks out for children who may be lost, missing or have run away from home. With the cooperation of the local police and authorities, the organization ensures that the children are safe and that their families are aware of their whereabouts. The NGO’s role is an important one that thwarts the efforts of traffickers who seek to exploit these innocent children.

Here are questions with Lopamudra Mullick of Railway Children India:

In what ways are children harmed and exploited by criminals and traffickers at railway stations?

Trafficking is often considered a “hidden” crime, making it difficult to obtain reliable data on its true extent. The cases that are known or reported form only a subset of all trafficking incidents, making it nearly impossible to get accurate numbers of children trafficked for various purposes, including forced labour, illegal sex, organ trading and child pornography.

In the past five months, the NGO’s transport team recorded 9 cases of child trafficking. However, 217 reported cases involved children who were found wandering, had left home attracted by city life, or were protected due to family discord. Additionally, 114 cases involved children identified as at risk of, or victims of, child labour, and 54 children were recorded as being involved in romantic relationships. These findings suggest that many children protected by Railway Children India may have been at risk of, or victims of, child trafficking as the potential traffickers often deceive disadvantaged and vulnerable children, as well as their families, by making false promises of providing jobs, arranging marriages for their daughters, or offering a better life.

How does Railway Children India rescue children and reunite them with their families or give them long-term care?

Railway Children India operates Child Help Desks at major transport hubs to reinforce early gatekeeping by protecting unattended children at railway stations and bus terminals. These children may be at risk or victims of different child protection issues. To address this, the Railway Children India Transport Program team works closely with railway officials including GRP, RPF and the Station Manager following the Railway SOP for protecting children who come into contact with the Indian Railways. The team facilitates family tracing processes, case registration at railway police stations, medical examinations, and informs relevant child protection authorities, such as the CWC and police, to ensure the child is reunited with their family. RCI firmly believes that a family is the best place for a child to live and thrive and aims to prevent placement in children’s homes whenever possible.

After reunification, the transport team works closely with the child and family to uncover the underlying reasons for the child leaving home. They provide additional support, including social and emotional guidance, regular follow-ups on the child’s well-being, and connections to social security schemes and entitlements. The team also ensures the child’s enrolment in school or vocational training, as needed, to help strengthen the family. This approach ensures the child remains safe within the family and avoids further vulnerabilities.

Is there a particular child whose story impacted you in a personal way?

Sita (name changed), a 15-year-old girl, was rescued by the transport program team at a railway station while attempting to run away from home with another boy of the same age. The vulnerability assessment revealed that Sita had been out of school for several years and lived with her father and grandparents after her mother’s death. However, she used to face strained family relationships and remain disturbed. Her chronic runaway behavior was exacerbated by her excessive use of social media, through which she formed new friendships that led her to meet people in person.

In response to this grave situation, the case worker initiated a comprehensive intervention plan. Weekly visits were established to engage Sita in meaningful activities and sessions. She was introduced to painting and mandala art, and given constructive activities and home assignments. Concurrently, sessions were conducted with Sita and her grandparents to improve their relationships and address teenage issues. Education on safe mobile phone use and online abuse prevention was provided, with continuous reinforcement through engagement with her grandparents.

These efforts have yielded a positive impact. Sita developed a strong interest in painting, dedicating significant time to her artwork and decorating her home with it. Her grandparents observed positive changes in her behavior, including her staying at home for more than a month without any incidents of running away. Additionally, Sita is now motivated to pursue vocational training in cutting and tailoring. Although family reunification with her parents was not possible for Sita, the Railway Children India team made significant efforts to strengthen her relationship with her grandparents, leading to a successful family reintegration.

What has been the impact of Railway Children India’s work?

In the last five months of the current year, an average of 428 children per month have been protected, with 299 rescued through the Railway Children India network with railway officials and 129 through direct intervention by Railway Children India.  

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We encourage you to watch this campaign video to learn about what happens to lost and missing children at railway stations and join appeal to get a glimpse of the abusethat these animals endure on factory farms and join Lopamudra Mullick’s mission to save them before it is too late: 

With your support, Lopamudra Mullick and the entire Railway Children India team can increase their vigilant presence at railway stations across the country and either reunite the children with their families or place them in long-term care. To support Railway Children India:

Support Railway Children India

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