A 12-year-old boy who reportedly left home after a quarrel over a mobile phone was traced within two hours by Gudupalle police in Chittoor district, with the assistance of a surveillance drone.

The boy, a resident of Nalagampalli village in Gudupalle mandal in Kuppam constituency, left home on Tuesday morning after his parents reportedly refused to give him a mobile phone. As he did not return till evening, his father lodged a missing person complaint at Gudupalle police station.

A team led by Sub-Inspector (SI) Srinivasulu launched a search. With no clear leads and daylight fading, the team deployed a surveillance drone and scanned the fields, hillocks and isolated stretches around the village. The boy was eventually located at a bus stop near Tamil Nadu border and brought to the police station. Following counselling, he was handed over to his parents.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Tushar Dudi appreciated the Gudupalle police for their quick response and effective use of technology.

Published – September 23, 2026 06:58 pm IST