Video: Cabby, cops save woman jumping off Atal Setu
What's the story
A quick-thinking taxi driver, with the help of police, saved a woman who allegedly tried to jump off the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Harbour Link Bridge (Atal Setu) in Nhava Sheva, Mumbai. CCTV footage of the incident, which has gone viral, shows the cab driver grabbing the woman by her hair just as she attempted to jump off the bridge. Three police officers then hurriedly rushed to assist the man and dragged the woman to safety.
Incident specifics
Woman identified, incident details revealed
The woman has been identified as Reema Mukesh Patel, a resident of Mulund. The incident occurred around 7:00pm on August 16. Patel had requested Sanjay Yadav, the cab driver, to stop on the bridge under the guise of immersing photos of gods into the sea. The CCTV footage shows her sitting on the edge of Atal Setu's safety barrier before attempting to jump off.
Official statement
Police official recounts rescue operation
A police official told PTI, "After police was alerted about her presence, a patrolling vehicle rushed to the spot. When the police approached her, she lost balance and was about to plunge into the sea. But a cab driver and the traffic police personnel held her just in time and managed to save her." The official added that Patel claimed she lost her balance in panic after seeing police approach her.
Twitter Post
Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, shares video
Viewers Discretion Advised
— पोलीस आयुक्त, बृहन्मुंबई - CP Mumbai Police (@CPMumbaiPolice) August 16, 2024
Responding promptly to an attempt to die by suicide at MTHL Atal Setu, the on-duty officials, PN Lalit Shirsat, PN Kiran Mahtre, PC Yash Sonawane & PC Mayur Patil of @Navimumpolice jumped over the railing & rescued the individual saving her life.
I… pic.twitter.com/h9JYayucLk
Ongoing probe
Woman's family alerted, investigation underway
Following the incident, Patel was taken to a police station in Navi Mumbai and her family members were informed. Anjum Bagwan, senior inspector of Nhava Sheva police station, stated that her family claimed that she is mentally disturbed. Just last month, a 38-year-old engineer allegedly jumped off the Atal Setu to his death due to stress over financial problems.
Helpline
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek help
If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Its number is 022-27546669 (24 hours). You can also dial Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +91-83222-52525. Sneha India Foundation, which works 24x7, can be contacted at +91-44246-40050 while Vandrevala Foundation's helpline number is +91-99996-66555 (call and WhatsApp).