Students travelling from West Bengal to Hyderabad for studies stopped at Brahmapur station; authorities begin verification while families await clarity
BRAHMAPUR — Thirty-four Muslim students travelling by train from West Bengal to Hyderabad were stopped and taken off the Falaknuma Express by the Railway Protection Force at Brahmapur railway station in Odisha, prompting questions about procedure, sensitivity, and the treatment of minority children.
The students, aged between 12 and 17, were reportedly on their way to join a madrasa in Hyderabad. According to officials, the RPF acted after receiving information that a group of minor children was travelling without proper supervision.
As the train halted on Wednesday, RPF personnel entered multiple coaches and questioned the students. Witnesses said the children appeared confused and anxious during the process.
One student was quoted as saying, “Sir, we are from a madrassa and we are going to study.”
Following questioning, all 34 students were asked to disembark from the train and taken to a local shelter home. They are currently under the care of the Child Welfare Committee.
Officials from the Ganjam district administration said that the safety of the children remains the top priority. A detailed verification process has begun, including identity checks and background assessments.
A district official said, “We are prioritising the safety of the students. No decision will be made without thoroughly verifying their identity, family background, and purpose of travel.”
Authorities are preparing a Social Investigation Report for each student. Their Aadhaar cards and other documents are being examined. The administration is also in touch with child welfare bodies in West Bengal and Bihar to confirm family details.
Some of the students have already recorded their statements. They told officials that they were travelling with the intention of pursuing religious education at a madrasa in Hyderabad.
While officials maintain that the action was taken as a precaution, the incident has raised concerns among sections of the community about how Muslim students are treated during travel.
A local social worker, who visited the shelter home, said, “These are children going for education. The authorities must act carefully and avoid creating fear among them.”
Another community representative added, “If there was no immediate danger, the children should have been handled more sensitively. Their dignity matters.”
Families of some students are also reported to be worried, as they wait for official communication regarding their children’s status.
The Child Welfare Committee will decide the next steps after reviewing the investigation reports and student statements.
Officials said that if it is confirmed that the children were travelling with parental consent, they will be reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journey. However, if any irregularities are found, including concerns of trafficking or coercion, legal action will be taken.
An RPF officer said, “We acted on information about minors travelling without guardians. Our duty is to ensure their safety. Further steps will depend on the findings.”
The incident is expected to lead to wider discussion on the safety of minor travellers, especially those from marginalised communities, and the need for balanced action by authorities.
Observers say the case highlights two key issues — the protection of children and the importance of respecting the rights and identity of minority students seeking education.
For now, the 34 students remain in shelter care, waiting for clarity on their future as officials continue their checks.
