The children, aged around seven to eight years, were found wandering in the fields of Yellur on the outskirts of Belagavi.

Thoughtful action by Belagavi police officers helped four boys reunite with their parents on February 18.

The children, aged around seven to eight years, were found wandering in the fields of Yellur on the outskirts of Belagavi.

When local farmers asked them, they said they were from Peeranwadi in Belagavi taluk, and had come to Yellur Fort for a picnic. But they were unable to return as they had lost the way.

After a passer-by informed the police, they arrived on the scene, traced, and contacted the boys’ parents. The officials studied CCTV footage and spoke to the children to confirm that there was no kidnapping. The children were kept for a few hours in the Sri Vithal Rukmai Mandir in Yellur and given some snacks. The police handed them over to the parents, who arrived in Yellur. The police have urged residents to call the 24-hour helpline 112 to report such incidents.