The police on Monday said that four minor girls had allegedly escaped from a government-run observation home for children in Thane district, according to a news agency. The inmates, ranging from 13 to 17 years, hailed from Mankhurd, Ulhasnagar, Uttar Pradesh and Bangladesh, an official from Hill Line police station stated. They allegedly broke out of the shelter home around 3.30 am on Saturday, the official said. 

The overarching picture of security at shelter homes is a matter of concern. Facilities for the most vulnerable must have adequate security, alarms and CCTV surveillance. We must remember that such inmates are rescued from particular situations and placed in shelters by the authorities as they are the best option for them.