Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Apr 25: A youth from Shravanabelagola, who tried to end his life by jumping down the new bridge across River Netravati at Panemangalore, was rescued with the prompt action taken by the locals and passersby.

When Sattar, an auto-rickshaw driver was going home on the evening of Friday to end his fast, he came to know that someone had plunged into the river. He immediately went into the river in a boat along with his friend, Sadiq and rescued the youth, who was then brought to the riverbank.

The youth had left behind his footwear, cellphone and purse before jumping from the bridge. A check of the cellphone revealed that he had made his last call, which was a video call, to his elder sister. When a call was made to the number, it transpired that the youth is a resident of Shravanabelagola.

The youngster's sister arranged for the visit by her relatives living at Bajagoly to the spot and the youth was taken away. She said that the youth had left home a few days back and that he might be facing some critical problem, of which she had no knowledge.

Sattar, besides being an auto-rickshaw driver, is an expert diver who is well known for rescuing several people from the river. He was rewarded during the last district-level Kannada Rajyotsava. Sattar said he thanks the Lord for extending the life of the young man.

Before Sattar and Sadiq reached the youth in a boat, a tempo driver, who saw the youth jumping, immediately lowered a long rope he had with him. The youth clung to the rope and waited till Sattar and Sadiq reached and rescued him.  

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