A potential tragedy was averted on Sigandur Bridge in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district after an engineer’s alertness and compassion saved a man from dying by suicide.
The incident involved Anjaneya (47), a resident of Beban Layout in Srirampur, Mysuru, who had travelled to the bridge with the intention of ending his life by jumping into the river below.
Engineer notices danger just in time
Ranjesh Pandey, the engineer in charge of the bridge, happened to be present at the site when he noticed Anjaneya walking along the bridge and attempting to climb over the safety barrier.
Sensing something was wrong, Pandey immediately approached him and began speaking to him, asking why he was taking such a drastic step.
A conversation across languages saves a life
Anjaneya told the engineer that he was fed up with life and had already consumed sleeping pills. When they failed to work, he decided to end his life by jumping off the bridge.
Anjaneya works at an auditor’s office in Mysuru and had earlier visited the Chowdeshwari Devi temple in Sigandur. The exact reasons that drove him to attempt suicide are still unclear.
Pandey, a native of Bihar, spoke to him about the value of life and shared how he works far away from home to earn a living, yet continues to hold on to hope and purpose. Remarkably, Pandey does not speak Kannada, while Anjaneya does not speak Hindi. Despite this language barrier, the emotional appeal transcended words.
Safe handover to police and hospital care
The engineer’s calm and reassuring words worked. Anjaneya climbed down from the barrier, abandoning his attempt.
Pandey immediately called the emergency helpline 112 and handed him over to the police. He was first taken to Sagar Sub-Divisional Hospital and later shifted to McGann Hospital in Shivamogga, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Humanity beyond barriers
The incident has drawn appreciation for Pandey’s presence of mind and empathy, highlighting how humanity can rise above language, region and circumstance in moments of crisis.
Police officials said timely intervention and conversation often play a critical role in preventing such incidents and urged people to seek help during emotional distress.