Bahraich

What began as a routine flood relief and disaster management mock drill on the Ghaghra river in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district turned into an actual rescue mission when a woman jumped into the river, with rescuers initially believing it was part of the exercise.

According to police, the incident took place around 2 pm on Thursday near Sanjay Setu while officials, divers and boatmen were conducting a disaster response drill.

The 35-year-old woman, a resident of the Jarwal Road area, leapt into the river during the exercise. Witnesses at the spot initially assumed that the jump had been staged as part of the mock drill.

However, rescuers quickly realised that the woman was not participating in the exercise and was, in fact, attempting to end her life.

Divers and boatmen immediately launched a rescue operation, pulled her out of the river and brought her safely to the shore using a boat. She was subsequently admitted to a nearby community health centre for medical treatment.

Jarwal Road Station House Officer Santosh Kumar Singh said preliminary investigations indicated that the woman took the extreme step following a family dispute and alleged harassment.

According to the police, the woman stated that her husband had gone to Saudi Arabia for work after their marriage. Over time, he allegedly reduced communication with her and stopped sending financial support. She further alleged that her in-laws forced her out of the matrimonial home.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case against her husband and father-in-law under relevant sections, including provisions related to harassment of a woman.

Officials said the woman's husband is currently abroad, while her father-in-law has been questioned as part of the investigation.

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The incident highlighted the preparedness of the disaster response teams, whose mock exercise unexpectedly became a life-saving operation.