Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Sep 11: A video showing children who had participated in a cultural programme allegedly travelling in a goods tempo on National Highway 66 from Kaup towards Udupi has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns over child safety.

The incident was reportedly captured at Katapady, where several children can be seen travelling in a goods vehicle after participating in a cultural event. The visuals have sparked criticism from the public, who questioned the decision to use a goods tempo to transport children.

With several cultural and religious programmes, including Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, scheduled to take place in the coming days, concerns have been raised that similar unsafe transportation practices could recur if adequate precautions are not taken.

Members of the public have urged the authorities to take appropriate legal action against the driver responsible for transporting children in the goods vehicle and to strictly enforce safety regulations.

“Celebrations and culture are important, but not at the cost of children’s lives,” the public said, stressing that children must be transported only in safe and legally permitted vehicles.