Bengaluru Siblings Travel Alone Using Shakti Scheme After Tuition Dispute, Found Safe

A 13-year-old from Bengaluru left home with a younger brother after a quarrel over tuition, using free bus travel under Karnataka’s Shakti scheme. The children were later found safe, but the incident has raised concern about child safety, awareness of welfare schemes and how minors interpret such benefits without proper guidance.

The siblings lived in Ashwathnagar in the Marathahalli area of Bengaluru and had skipped tuition classes, according to reports. Parents scolded the children for missing these lessons. After the argument, the 13-year-old reportedly decided to leave home, taking the nine-year-old brother along without informing anyone in the family.

Shakti scheme Bengaluru incident outlines children's bus travel risks

On 1 February, around 3 pm, the girl allegedly picked up an Aadhaar card and walked out with the brother. The child reportedly believed the government’s Shakti scheme would allow free bus travel. It is also thought the girl assumed the nine-year-old would not be charged because of the young age.

The two children then travelled away from Bengaluru using public buses covered under the Shakti scheme. They reportedly moved towards Shivamogga and Chitradurga districts. Officials later pieced together the journey based on bus routes and local inputs from different areas in the state.

Shakti scheme Bengaluru incident prompts police search and public alerts

When the children did not return, parents grew worried and went to the HAL police station to file a missing complaint. Police launched a search operation soon after receiving the information. Officers collected photographs and identification details and began passing them to other police units across Karnataka for quick tracing.

Authorities circulated the children’s details widely, including through police networks in Bengaluru and other districts. The information was also shared across social media, including Facebook and multiple WhatsApp groups. The aim was to reach bus passengers, locals and community members who might have seen the siblings on the move.

The crucial lead reportedly came from a resident of Chitradurga, who recognised the children from the circulating photos. This person alerted local police, who then coordinated with other units. Officers traced the siblings, ensured their safety and arranged transport back to Bengaluru after confirming identities with the family and authorities.

Shakti scheme Bengaluru incident raises questions on awareness and child behaviour

The children were later handed over to the parents at the HAL police station. Family members expressed relief and happiness at the safe return but were also shaken by how far the situation had escalated. The case, highlighted alongside a representational image, has drawn attention within Bengaluru and across Karnataka.

Officials and observers say the episode shows how minors may misunderstand public welfare schemes when awareness is low. There have reportedly been similar cases earlier, where children travelled to distant locations after disputes at home, believing they could rely on free or low-cost public transport to leave their families temporarily.

The incident has also renewed focus on parent-child communication around discipline and welfare benefits. Experts stress that children need calm conversations rather than harsh punishment, especially about studies and tuition. They note that youngsters should be clearly informed about how identification documents and schemes like Shakti are meant to be used responsibly.

Authorities maintain that the Shakti scheme is designed to support women’s mobility and daily travel across Karnataka. At the same time, officials underline the need for better awareness campaigns so minors do not misuse such benefits. The safe rescue, supported by quick police work and public cooperation, is being cited as a reminder to watch children’s emotional reactions and address conflicts early.