Heroic Delivery Boy Saves Engineer From Treacherous Ravine
A delivery boy in Kurseong, West Bengal, risked his life on the night of December 12, 2023, to rescue an engineer who had fallen into a deep ravine. Despite warnings from police and fire services, the young man descended into the ravine, using a rope tied around his waist, to reach the injured engineer.
Background
The incident occurred in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, specifically near the Kurseong town area, known for its hilly terrain. The engineer, identified as Sourav Chatterjee, was reportedly working on a site survey in the area when he lost his footing and tumbled into the ravine around 10:00 PM on December 12th. Initial reports suggest he was attempting to reach a specific vantage point for surveying purposes.
News of the fall reached local authorities, triggering an immediate response. Police and fire brigade personnel were dispatched to the scene, but the steep and unstable nature of the ravine presented a significant challenge to a safe rescue operation. The ravine is estimated to be approximately 40-50 feet deep and covered with loose rocks and vegetation, making direct descent extremely dangerous.
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Key Developments
Initial attempts by emergency responders to reach Chatterjee directly were deemed too risky. Concerns about potential further collapses and the engineer's precarious condition delayed a conventional rescue effort. However, the delivery boy, identified as Bikash Ghosh, witnessed the unfolding situation and, without hesitation, volunteered to descend into the ravine.
Ghosh, a local resident, is known for his agility and familiarity with the area. He secured a sturdy rope and, after assessing the situation, carefully lowered himself into the ravine. He then located Chatterjee, who was conscious but suffering from multiple injuries, including a fractured leg and several lacerations.
Using his own knowledge and strength, Ghosh managed to stabilize Chatterjee and, with the help of onlookers who pulled on the rope, slowly and carefully hauled him back to safety. The entire rescue operation, orchestrated by Ghosh, took approximately 45 minutes.
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Impact
The incident has been widely lauded by local residents and community leaders. Bikash Ghosh is being hailed as a hero for his selfless act of bravery. Local shopkeepers have offered him assistance, and social media has been flooded with messages of appreciation and gratitude.
Sourav Chatterjee is currently receiving treatment at Kurseong Remand Jail Hospital. Doctors have confirmed the severity of his injuries and are providing him with necessary medical care. His condition is reported to be stable, but he faces a lengthy recovery period. The incident has also highlighted the dangers of working in such environments and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
What Next
Authorities are planning a formal commendation ceremony for Bikash Ghosh to recognize his courageous actions. The West Bengal government is reportedly considering awarding him a bravery medal.
An investigation is also underway to determine whether safety regulations were adequately enforced at the site where Chatterjee fell. This will likely involve reviewing the site survey procedures and assessing the risk assessment conducted before the incident. Local authorities are also considering measures to improve safety around the ravine to prevent similar accidents in the future. The focus is now on Chatterjee's recovery and ensuring the safety of workers in similar risky environments.
Details of the Rescue
Bikash Ghosh, a 24-year-old delivery boy for a local food delivery service, reportedly responded instantly to the calls for help. He did not wait for official orders or specialized equipment. His swift action and decisive approach were crucial in saving Chatterjee’s life.
The rope Ghosh used was reportedly strong enough to withstand considerable weight, and he carefully checked its integrity before beginning his descent. Witnesses described him as calm and focused throughout the rescue operation, despite the inherent dangers.
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Police Investigation
The Kurseong police have launched a preliminary investigation into the incident. They are examining the circumstances leading to Chatterjee’s fall and assessing whether any negligence contributed to the accident. The investigation is also focused on verifying Chatterjee's safety protocols and ensuring they were followed at the time of the incident.
While the police have praised Ghosh's bravery, they are also emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations and avoiding reckless actions in potentially hazardous situations.
