Delhi police received a tip from a passerby who spotted two sisters and their cousin begging outside Safdarjung Hospital. The trio, aged between 8 and 12, were identified as members of a larger extended family embroiled in a bitter inheritance conflict. The dispute had escalated to the point where the children felt unsafe and chose to leave home.

Root Cause: Family Feud Escalates

Initial investigations revealed that the dispute centered on property division and custodial rights after the death of a senior family member. With adult relatives locked in legal battles, the four minors—two sisters, their cousin, and another sister—felt abandoned. A kidnapping FIR was filed, and their photographs and descriptions were circulated across state police networks.

First Rescue in Delhi

Leveraging CCTV footage and community cooperation, Delhi police located the two sisters and their cousin near the hospital. Immediate medical aid, food, and counseling were provided. They were then taken to a safe house where senior family members were notified, leading to an emotional reunion.

Second Rescue in Maharashtra

The remaining two sisters boarded a long-distance train heading south, eventually alighting in Maharashtra. Local police, alerted by the nationwide alert, set up checkpoints at major railway stations. The girls were found wandering near Pune, visibly exhausted and without belongings. After verification, they were escorted back to Delhi and handed over to their relatives.

Implications and Future Safeguards

This incident underscores the vulnerability of children caught in adult conflicts and highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police action. Child welfare experts suggest that early mediation and robust child protection mechanisms are essential to prevent similar runaway cases. The successful reunification also demonstrates the power of public vigilance combined with rapid law‑enforcement response.