Udupi; A major tragedy was averted on Sunday evening after a man attempted to set himself on fire at the busy Kalsanka Circle in Udupi. The swift and coordinated action of personnel from the city police station, along with social worker Nithyananda Volakadu, prevented the incident from escalating into a life-threatening situation.
The unidentified man reportedly arrived at the crowded junction carrying a bottle filled with petrol. His actions triggered panic among motorists, pedestrians and shopkeepers in the vicinity, as he threatened to immolate himself in the middle of heavy vehicular traffic.
Panic at a busy junction
The incident occurred during peak evening hours when traffic movement was high at Kalsanka Circle, one of the prominent junctions in Udupi city. Traffic police personnel were engaged in regulating vehicles when the man’s behaviour began disrupting normal flow.
Eyewitnesses said the man was seen holding a bottle suspected to contain petrol and shouting incoherently. It remains unclear whether he was under the influence of alcohol or experiencing mental health distress.
As the situation intensified, police personnel intervened and managed to snatch away the petrol bottle from his possession. However, in a shocking turn of events, the man reportedly returned with another bottle filled with petrol and poured the fuel over himself, declaring that he would set himself ablaze.
The dramatic sequence of events caused traffic to slow down, with onlookers gathering at a distance amid fear that the man might ignite himself at any moment.
Swift police intervention
Displaying presence of mind and promptness, the police personnel at the scene acted decisively. They restrained the man and prevented him from accessing any ignition source. Their timely action ensured that no fire broke out, thereby averting what could have been a disastrous incident in a densely populated area.
Social worker Nithyananda Volakadu also assisted in calming the man and supporting the police in defusing the tense situation.
Sub-inspectors Narayan and Gangappa of the city police station were part of the team that handled the operation. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the man was subdued without any injuries to himself or to members of the public.
Taken into custody and counselled
Following the intervention, the police took the man into custody for further inquiry. After preliminary questioning and counselling, arrangements were made to send him back to his native place, Gadag.
Police sources indicated that efforts were made to address his immediate emotional state and prevent any further harm. Authorities are expected to ascertain the circumstances that led him to take such an extreme step.
The incident once again highlights the importance of rapid response by law enforcement personnel in crowded urban spaces. Had the police not acted swiftly, the consequences could have been severe, given the heavy traffic and presence of bystanders at the junction.
Call for awareness and support
While the exact reasons behind the man’s actions remain unclear, the episode has drawn attention to the need for greater awareness about mental health support and crisis intervention mechanisms. Public spaces such as busy traffic circles can quickly turn into sites of danger when individuals in distress attempt extreme acts.
Residents and shopkeepers in the area commended the police for their quick thinking and professionalism. Many noted that the situation was brought under control within minutes, preventing panic and possible casualties.
Thanks to the alertness and coordinated action of the police and a concerned citizen, a potentially tragic incident at Kalsanka Circle ended without injury, restoring normalcy to the bustling junction.