AGARTALA: Two 14-year-old students from Agartala in Tripura, who fled to Mumbai with hopes of pursuing a career, were located in the city and reunited with their families by the police.
The eighth-grade students, Omkar Chakraborty and Prithibi Debbarma, admitted to authorities that they absconded to evade academic responsibilities and the pressures of studies.
They expressed fascination with Mumbai’s perceived opportunities for career advancement and were enchanted by the city’s allure and vibrant culture.
Departing from Agartala in Tripura on March 07 without informing their parents, the duo carried mobile phones and Rs 1300.
However, en route, they deactivated their phones and destroyed their SIM cards to evade detection.
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Upon arriving in Mumbai, they spent the night outdoors near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on March 11, exploring prominent landmarks such as Marine Drive, the Gateway of India, and Girgaon Chowpatty.
Meanwhile, their concerned parents lodged a missing person report with the Agartala police in Tripura when the boys failed to return home.
Investigating officer Eknath Paulbudhe disclosed that the boys had also packed their documents, indicating their intention to settle in Mumbai.
However, upon encountering the city’s bustling crowds, they became apprehensive and abandoned their plans.