Bhubaneswar: In a heart-wrenching incident, a 50-year-old man lost his life while attempting to rescue a pet cat that had fallen into a small open well. The tragic event unfolded near Patia railway station, bringing to light the selflessness of individuals who go to great lengths to save animals in distress. The deceased, identified as Shivaram Sahoo, hailed from Ganjam district and had been residing in a nearby slum.
The incident occurred when Shivaram and two other local residents decided to come to the aid of a cat that had inadvertently fallen into the open well. Unfortunately, their rescue mission took a dreadful turn, leading to a harrowing outcome. The well, which posed unforeseen dangers, claimed Shivaram’s life and left one of the rescuers in critical condition.
Deputy Fire Officer Abani Kumar Swain shared details of the ill-fated event. The team was summoned to the site near Patia railway station as soon as the alarm was raised. They arrived to find Shivaram, his elder brother Bhajaman, and another local youth trapped within the confines of the well. A swift rescue operation was launched, with the team working diligently to extricate the victims. Shivaram was promptly rushed to a nearby Urban Community Health Center, but tragically, medical professionals declared him deceased.
Local witnesses recounted the sequence of events, shedding light on Shivaram Sahoo’s brave and compassionate act. Apparently, when he noticed the pet cat’s owner struggling to rescue the distressed animal, Shivaram made a valiant decision to enter the well and offer his assistance. However, during the rescue effort, Shivaram succumbed to asphyxiation, falling unconscious within the well. The selflessness extended to others as well, with Shankar Das bravely descending into the well to save the unconscious Shivaram. Unfortunately, this act of heroism resulted in Shankar’s entrapment within the well, adding to the unfolding tragedy.
Presently, Shankar Das is under medical care at a private hospital in the city, where doctors and medical staff are working diligently to ensure his recovery and well-being. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the compassion that drives individuals to risk their own safety in an attempt to rescue animals in distress. The tragic loss of Shivaram Sahoo underscores the need for safety and awareness when engaging in rescue efforts, even for beloved pets. This somber incident reminds us of the value of selflessness and the risks associated with acts of heroism, highlighting the need for caution and preventive measures in such endeavors.
