Teenager's Daring Power Line Climb for Love Sparks Dramatic Rescue in Pratapgarh
In a scene reminiscent of a Bollywood thriller, a 15-year-old boy in Pratapgarh district created high drama on Thursday evening by climbing an 11,000-volt power transmission line and refusing to come down unless his family agreed to arrange his marriage to his 13-year-old girlfriend. The incident unfolded at Bhaupur village, where the teenager scaled a 30-foot electricity pole and clung precariously to the high-tension wire, putting his life at grave risk.
A Tense 45-Minute Rescue Operation
Local authorities quickly mobilized for what became a tense 45-minute rescue mission. Police and emergency responders brought a ladder to the site and engaged in careful negotiations with the distraught teenager. Thankfully, the electricity department had already cut power to the line for maintenance work, preventing what could have been a fatal electrocution. Rescuers ultimately persuaded the boy to descend by pretending to agree to his demand for "sath phere" - the seven sacred circles of Hindu marriage.
Background of the Teenage Romance
Station Officer Vijendra Singh of Aspur Devsara police station provided crucial context about the situation. The boy, a resident of Bhaupur village, had dropped out of school after completing the ninth standard and had been in a relationship with the minor girl for approximately one year. Their romance faced significant opposition from the community. About three months prior to this incident, the teenager was physically assaulted by a group of local boys when he attempted to visit his girlfriend in a neighboring village.
The boy's father initially approached police after learning about the assault on his only son but withdrew his complaint when officers explained the full circumstances. Despite family interventions, including confiscating his mobile phone after catching him communicating with the girl, the determined teenager continued the relationship. On Thursday afternoon, he seized an opportunity when his father left for work, made his way to the electricity pole, and began his dangerous protest.
Police Intervention and Counseling
When villagers gathered and tried to convince the boy to come down safely, he remained adamant about his marriage demand. Police officials arrived and skillfully managed the delicate situation. They pacified the teenager with assurances about arranging his marriage, though this was ultimately a tactical approach to ensure his safety. After the successful rescue, authorities took the boy to Aspur Devsara police station for extensive counseling that lasted approximately three hours.
During the counseling session, police encouraged the teenager to focus on his education and respect his parents' guidance. Following this intervention, the boy was handed over to his family members. Meanwhile, a video recording of the dramatic incident has circulated widely on social media platforms, capturing public attention across the region.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The incident attracted a substantial crowd of villagers eager to witness the unfolding drama. Local authorities maintained crowd control while ensuring the rescue operation proceeded without interference. The preemptive power cut by electricity department officials proved crucial in preventing potential tragedy. This case highlights several concerning issues:
- Teenage relationships facing community opposition
- The extreme measures some adolescents might consider
- The importance of proper counseling and guidance for youth
- Effective coordination between police and utility services during emergencies
The Pratapgarh incident serves as a stark reminder about the vulnerabilities of adolescent emotions and the critical need for constructive dialogue between teenagers and their families regarding relationships and life decisions.
