RAICHUR, 25 FEB

The government's Shakti Yojana, offering free bus travel for women, has inadvertently sparked concerns regarding its impact on minor girls. In a recent incident in Yaragunti village, Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district, the parents of four 13-year-old minor girls found themselves in a difficult situation.

The incident unfolded when the girls expressed their desire to attend Mauneshwar Jatra at Tinthini in Yadgir. Despite their parents' refusal to accompany them, the girls used their Aadhaar cards to board a bus bound for the Tinthini annual fair. Unaware of their children's plans, the parents grew anxious when the girls failed to return home. Eventually, a complaint was lodged with Lingasuguru police, prompting a frantic search. Led by District Superintendent of Police, Nikhil B, the police scoured WhatsApp groups and deployed informants to locate the girls.

After a day-long search, the girls were found at Tinthini temple. The police swiftly reunited them with their parents. However, the incident has raised concerns about the potential misuse of the free bus travel scheme by minors. There are growing calls for the Women and Child Welfare Department to address this issue and provide guidance to prevent similar incidents.