Gujarat: Cop risks life to save man who allegedly consumed poison in locked flat
Gandhinagar, June 11
Surat police personnel rescued a man from a locked seventh-floor flat after he allegedly consumed a poisonous substance in an attempt to take his own life, officials said on Thursday.
The incident occurred on the evening of June 8 when Surat City Police received a distress call from a woman who reported that her husband had allegedly consumed a poisonous substance and appeared to be attempting suicide.
She sought immediate assistance to save his life.
Following the call, the police control room alerted the Laskana Police Station's 'Dial 112' team, along with Fire and Emergency Services and an ambulance, and directed them to the residence.
According to police officials, the PCR van from Laskana Police Station was the first emergency unit to arrive at the scene.
Officers found that the flat on the seventh floor was locked from the inside, preventing immediate access to the man.
Police Constable Shailesh Chudasama and driver Kripalsinh Gohil entered a neighbouring flat and looked for an alternative way to reach the apartment.
Constable Chudasama then climbed across the building's exterior grille and entered the flat through a window after repeated attempts to get a response from inside.
"The door was locked from the inside by a man. We managed to force it open and saw that he had consumed a poisonous substance. I immediately restrained him and removed the remaining substance from his possession, but he had already ingested some of it and was vomiting. We quickly brought him downstairs and, without waiting for the ambulance, began taking him to a hospital in Kamrej. The ambulance met us en route, and he was immediately shifted for emergency medical treatment," Chudasama said.
Police said Kunal (name changed) works in the diamond-cutting and polishing industry. He survived the incident and is undergoing treatment.
A video of the rescue operation, including Chudasama's entry into the apartment through the building's exterior, has been widely shared online. Citizens praised the officers for their swift response and actions during the emergency.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi commended the police personnel involved in the rescue and congratulated them for their efforts.
Police said the prompt intervention by the Dial 112 team was essential in ensuring that the man received timely medical attention.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is why we need to appreciate our police more. Often we only see the negative side, but here's a brave constable risking his own life to save someone he doesn't even know. And the wife's quick thinking to call for help is also commendable. Hope the gentleman gets the counseling he needs after recovery. 🙏
One of my relatives also faced a similar situation last year, and the prompt response from the local police saved a life. I'm glad Gujarat's police leadership is recognizing such acts. However, I wish more resources were allocated for mental health helplines and crisis intervention teams. It's not just about physical rescue, but also emotional support.
Just saw the video of the rescue - chills! That constable is a real-life superhero. Also, kudos to the wife for acting immediately and not feeling ashamed to call for help. In our society, we need to break the stigma around seeking mental health support, especially for men who are often expected to 'tough it out'. 🙌
While I applaud the bravery, I hope the authorities also investigate what drove the man to such a desperate step. Often, financial pressure or family issues in the diamond industry lead to such incidents. Mental well-being should be part of workplace safety too. Nevertheless, great work by the constable and the Dial 112 team.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 This is the kind of policing we need across India - responsive, compassionate, and courageous. The fact that they didn't even wait
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