Sunil Haleangandy

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 9: A woman attempted suicide with her child in tow, by jumping into River Nandini from Pavanje Bridge near Haleangady on national highway in the taluk on the night of Monday September 8. While the child got killed after being swept away by strong water current, the woman was saved by some youth who plunged into the river.

Geetha, wife of Divakar Jois from Shirva Manchakal in Udupi district had plunged into the river with her 42-month-old son, Dheeraj. Geetha, who was rescued by some locals who saw her jumping into the river, got her admitted into a private hospital in Mukka. As she was provided with first aid followed by regular treatment immediately, she survived, and is out of danger, it is gathered.

Geetha told in her statement given to Mulky police that Ramanath Jois, elder brother of her husband, and husband's sister, Malati, used to torture her and her children both mentally and physically, which drove her to take this extreme step. She said her husband works as delivery boy for newspapers and milk sachets. 'I was frustrated and depressed as I was facing harassment day in and day out. On Monday, Sompu (harvest festival) was celebrated at home. As the torture continued even on a day of celebration, I could not take it anymore, and started in a bus towards Mangalore, got down from the bus near Pavanje temple, approached the bridge, and jumped into the river with the purpose of ending my frustrating existence. Although I wanted my elder son, Deepak (9) to accompany me, he refused,' she explained.

Geetha is now repenting for the hasty decision which resulted in the death of an innocent life.

Some youths who had watched Geetha loitering around the bridge, had warned her to stay away from the edge of the bridge. However, when they returned by the same road within minutes, they saw that the lady had suddenly jumped into the river. Rajesh, Praveen, Anish and Sunil, all from Pavanje village and members of local organization, 'Om Friends', as well as Haleangady gram panchayat member, Soorya Kanchan, jumped into the river and succeeded in saving Geetha. The lifeless body of the child was found from near Arand some distance away after sometime, said Soorya Kanchan, who led the operation.

A case stands registered in Mulky police station. The policemen have taken up investigation.