In a late-night rescue that feels both urgent and heartening, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Katpadi saved two 17-year-old boys from Nagaland who were lost and stranded in a remote forest area near the railway tracks. Found between Walajah Road and Mukundarayapuram stations past midnight on Sunday, the teens—T. Nagampha and A. Tsemtun Kanyak—were on a desperate search for jobs in Kerala when their journey went awry.

Key facts

  • Two 17-year-olds from Nagaland rescued near Katpadi
  • Found by RPF patrol team in remote forest area
  • Teens were attempting to reach Kerala for work
  • Provided food, clothing, medical care; now in safe custody

A Journey Derailed

What began as a hopeful trip south quickly turned precarious. The boys had taken a train from Nagaland but made a brief stop at Samalkot Railway Station near Kakinada. In a moment of bad timing, they stepped off to attend to nature’s call—and watched their train pull away without them. Undeterred, they bought new tickets and boarded the Gurudev Express bound for Thiruvananthapuram. But anxiety soon overwhelmed them. Near Katpadi, they got down and began wandering, lost and alone in the heavy rain.

The Rescue

Assistant Sub-Inspector P.R. Murali and Head Constable G. Gopalakrishnan, part of a railway patrol team, spotted the teens during their rounds. Inspector K. Prabhu of RPF Katpadi explained, “We got an alert from our counterpart in Nagaland that two teens were missing from their houses and were headed towards Kerala. Despite heavy rain, our patrol team was looking for the boys in the area.” Their persistence paid off.

Aftermath and Reunion

Once safe, the boys were given suitable clothing, food, and medical assistance. Thankfully, they were found to be in good health. Necessary arrangements were initiated for their safe reunion with family, and they were handed over to the Child Helpline for Safe Custody at the Collectorate after the Child Welfare Committee was informed. A stressful chapter ended with care and coordination.