A 38-year-old woman, Swati Gandhar, had a harrowing experience in Moradabad's Lajpat Nagar area when she got stuck in a massive traffic jam caused by a Maharana Pratap Jayanti procession. With nearly two kilometres left to cover and time running out, she abandoned the autorickshaw she had boarded and started running desperately towards her examination centre. The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC), Prayagraj, is conducting the Lecturer Cadre Recruitment Examination for 624 posts across 18 subjects this weekend, with over 4.64 lakh candidates appearing.
Officer's timely intervention
Visibly distressed and struggling to navigate through the gridlock with tears in her eyes, Swati caught the attention of Moradabad SP City Kumar Ranvijay Singh. Realising the urgency of the situation, the officer immediately offered his escort vehicle, which cut through the congestion and ensured she reached the examination centre in time. The entire incident was captured on video.
Candidate's gratitude
Speaking to TOI, sociology candidate Swati Gandhar said, "I had to report before 1:40 pm, but I was stuck in traffic around 1:20 pm. I was travelling with my husband in a car, but when it became clear that the vehicle could not move, I started running on foot. That is when the police officer noticed my distress and came forward to help. I am deeply grateful to him. Without his intervention, I would have missed this very important examination."
Officer's response
SP Singh said, "I could sense the urgency and distress on her face. I simply did my duty." Her husband, she added, managed to reach the centre only after 2 pm.
