However, the eldest of them Sunil Damor (12), who took them to a village in Madhya Pradesh and left them back at the Surat station, was absconding, the police said.

According to information, Chanda Damor (7), Chandrababu Damor (7), Chintu Vasamiya (5) and Bunty Vasamiya (3), returned, while Sunil fearing beating by his parents fled from the station itself.

Providing details of the incident according to the four's version, the police said Sunil overheard his parents talking that they would go to Nagda in MP as Surat was likely to be hit by another flood. Sunil first took the four to the Chowppati and then to the railway station. They boarded the 11.30 pm Indore Express and reached Nagda the next morning. However, one Raju Damor (18), said to be one of the children's relatives, spotted them and brought them back to the city by Avadh Express.

When the four were brought to the police station, they refused to go home. However, they were handed over to their parents in the presence of Police Commissioner Maniram on Saturday night.

It may be recalled that the five were last seen playing by neighours on Tuesday. In fact, doubts were being raised whether they were kidnapped or had drowned.

While the four have not been able to explain to the police the reason behind fleeing their homes, the police are looking for Sunil, who led the group and is absconding.