Stressed over studies, two flee on scooter, traced to Haridwar

The police traced and reunited two 14-year-old boys, who had left home over academic stress, with their families. The Class X students fled to Haridwar on a scooter, but were tracked down within six hours.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta said a complaint was received at the Sector 14 police station around 2 pm on Friday. The complainant stated that his 14-year-old son had left home around 10 am with a friend on a scooter on the pretext of some work but his mobile phone went switched off soon after.

Acting promptly, the police registered a case under Section 140(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A joint team, comprising station house officer (SHO) Hari Ram and the Cyber Cell personnel, discovered that both boys were heading towards Haridwar on their scooter. The police team reached Haridwar and managed to trace the minors safely by 8 pm — within six hours of the complaint being filed. After completing necessary legal formalities, both minors were reunited with their families.

Initial questioning revealed that both boys were Class X students and had left home due to academic stress and frequent reprimands from their parents.

The DCP said, “Studies are a normal part of life and should be approached with understanding and positivity. In times of confusion, anxiety or emotional distress, children should always communicate with their parents, teachers or a trusted person. Leaving home or taking extreme steps is never a solution — it only endangers one’s future.”

She also appealed to parents not to impose unnecessary pressure on their children but to encourage them through open communication, moral guidance, and emotional support.