Denied phone, 20-year-old jumps into borewell, prompting 9-hour rescue operation
What's the story
A 20-year-old laborer from Jharkhand, Rustam Sheikh, died after jumping into a borewell near Kukma in Bhuj, Gujarat. The incident occurred on Friday evening around 6:38pm near Ashapura Hill, where Rustam was working. The borewell was only one foot wide and about 140 feet deep. According to reports, Rustam had a disagreement with his father earlier in the day over an expensive mobile phone he wanted to buy on installments. After being denied, he jumped into the borewell.
Rescue attempt
Rescue operation launched, but efforts prove futile
His family only found out hours later that he had fallen into it. Authorities were immediately alerted and a rescue operation was launched. Administrative officials and fire teams reached the spot, supplying continuous oxygen to Rustam through a pipeline lowered into the borewell. His condition was monitored using a camera during the nearly nine-hour-long operation.
Extraction technique
Local method finally retrieves Rustam from borewell
The rescue operation involved Army personnel, local borewell experts, and 15 fire brigade members. Despite their best efforts, they struggled to pull him out until they resorted to a local method. A metal hook tied to a rope was lowered through a pulley system and latched onto Rustam's clothing for extraction.
Medical outcome
Rustam declared dead at hospital
Rescuers managed to pull Rustam out around 3:00am and rushed him to Bhuj's GK General Hospital in a 108 ambulance. However, doctors on duty declared him dead upon arrival. The Kutch Police confirmed that an NDRF team assisted in the operation and initial findings indicated Rustam was upset over his father's refusal to buy him the phone before he jumped into the borewell.