Missed school bus, fear of scolding: 14-year-old boy missing for 48 Hours

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A 14-year-old boy, Indrasen Deshmukh, has been missing since Wednesday morning, reportedly after panicking over missing his school bus for the third time in a week. Fear of being reprimanded by his parents and teachers is believed to have driven him to leave home. As of Friday evening, he has been missing for over 48 hours.

Indrasen, son of agricultural equipment trader Gajanan Deshmukh, lives with his family in Tapadia Park. He usually travels to school by bus. On July 30, he left home as usual, but never arrived at school nor returned home by 3 pm. When his worried mother contacted the school, teachers confirmed he had not shown up. The bus driver also stated that Indrasen did not board the bus that day. Frightened and distressed, the family immediately approached Pundliknagar police. Under the supervision of police inspector Ashok Bhandare, assistant sub-inspector Sunil Mhaske began a search operation. A case of kidnapping has also been registered.

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Fear of scolding may have pushed him to run away

According to police, Indrasen's school bus normally arrives by 6.50 am. Over the past few days, he had missed the bus multiple times due to minor delays. Though his parents tried to gently advise him, police believe the repeated incidents may have caused anxiety. On Wednesday, the bus left at its scheduled time, while Indrasen reached the stop seven minutes late, at 6.57 am. Fearing anger from both parents and teachers, he may have chosen not to return home.

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Tracked till pachod; trail goes cold

Initial investigation suggests that Indrasen reached the Cidco bus station and asked someone for help to get to Beed. He reportedly travelled as far as Pachod, but his movements after that remain untraced. Police are probing whether he left voluntarily or was lured or abducted.

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Expert Opinion: Emotional Disconnect Can Drive Runaways

"When children feel unheard or misunderstood, it can lead to extreme steps. Fear of punishment or ridicule especially in school may trigger anxiety, sadness, or isolation. If a child feels emotionally unsupported, they may try to escape such pressure. It’s crucial for parents to initiate calm, empathetic conversations and understand their child’s fears. Building a sense of being heard and accepted is vital. If signs of distress continue, professional counseling should be sought."

— Sandeep Shisodia, Clinical Psychologist

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Police appeal

Anyone who spots Indrasen or has relevant information is urged to contact Pundliknagar Police Station immediately.