High drama was witnessed in the Utkal University campus here on Friday, a day before the platinum jubilee celebrations of the institution on Saturday. A man climbed atop the Parija Library in the university premises and threatened to commit suicide by jumping off the building.
He was finally rescued after a three-hour-long operation by Fire Services and police personnel.
The man, identified as Subodh Barik was earlier employed with the Postal Department, is said to be a resident of Praharajpur under the Pattamundai police station of Kendrapada district. He was under severe mental stress after losing his job. Sources said he was missing for the past one month from home and a complaint in this regard had also been lodged at the Nayapalli police station in the city.
A large number of students, locals and scribes gathered near the library to watch the man, who refused to climb down though he was repeatedly cajoled and coaxed to do so.
Earlier getting information, Fire Services personnel and Saheed Nagar police had rushed to the campus and launched a massive rescue operation to save the man.
While Fire Services personnel first tried to get closer to the man by using Bronto Sky lifts, still the man refused to come down and threatened to commit suicide. Drone cameras were also used to keep an eye on the situation and the man’s movement. Nets were also spread around the building for any eventuality. Besides, a psychiatrist was also roped in to negotiate with him, but all efforts failed.
Later, some Fire Brigade personnel managed to reach atop the building and managed to nab the man and brought him to safety.
Immediately after the man was rescued, he was rushed to the Capital Hospital for his medical examination.