In a miraculous escape, a 19-year-old law student from Bengaluru survived a suicide attempt after jumping into the Cauvery river near Hangarahalli, Srirangapatna taluk, on Thursday evening. Swept nearly 5 km downstream by strong floodwaters, she was saved when she got entangled in a tree in the middle of the river, where she clung on throughout the night.
The student, identified as Pavithra from Electronic City, was rescued the next morning after local farmers heard her cries and alerted the authorities. A team comprising police and firefighters, led by Arakere Sub-Inspector N Vinod Kumar, arrived swiftly and brought her to safety.
She was rushed to the government hospital in Srirangapatna, and her family has since been informed. Officials say she is in stable condition.
Sub-Inspector Vinod Kumar described the rescue as “nothing short of a miracle”, noting that had the river’s level risen any further, the outcome could have been tragic. The motive behind her suicide attempt remains unclear, and police are expected to question her once she recovers.
This incident comes as Karnataka’s rivers swell amid monsoon rains, amplifying the danger of such attempts. The case is a reminder of the critical need for mental health support and community awareness.