Pune: A seven-year-old girl, frightened by her parents’ argument, left her home in Katvi village and wandered several kilometers to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Talegaon Dabhade.
The incident took place on Wednesday (December 18) evening when the girl was spotted crying alone by traffic police officer Jyoti Sonawane, who was on duty managing traffic at the junction.
The girl, identified as Prachi Chavan, appeared distressed and had been crying for a long time. Observing that no guardian was coming to pick her up, officer Sonawane approached the girl to offer comfort and gather information. Prachi, still scared, provided her name, village (Katvi), and school (Zilla Parishad School, Varale).
Coordinated Efforts to Reunite the Child
Understanding the situation, Sonawane alerted social worker Dilip Dolas, who disseminated the girl’s details on local social media groups in Varale village. Within a short period, Dolas received calls identifying the girl and providing information about her parents.
Acting swiftly, Sonawane, along with warden Bhosale and Dolas, escorted Prachi back to her village. On reaching her home, Prachi recognized her parents, and after confirming their identity, the authorities handed her over.
Parents Reunited with Their Daughter
Prachi’s parents expressed relief and gratitude towards the police and social worker for their efforts in locating their daughter. The incident underscores the importance of community coordination and timely intervention in ensuring the safety of children.