Mentally Unwell Woman Rescued by Fishermen After Being Swept Away in River

A 35-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh, who has mental health issues, experienced a dramatic rescue on Thursday. She was swept away for 20 kilometres in the swollen Mahanadi river and was saved by fishermen in Odisha, according to an official.

Sarojani Chauhan, the woman in question, was returned to her home in Saria area of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district that evening. She has since been hospitalised in Raigarh district, the official added.

Rescue Operation by Fishermen

Chauhan had been living with her parents in Porath village in Saria after separating from her husband. Due to her mental condition, her family had shackled her feet as she often left home without informing anyone, explained Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Superintendent of Police Pushkar Sharma.

On Wednesday night, Chauhan went to the vegetable farm near her house, which is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi river, to relieve herself and did not return. The river was swollen due to continuous rainfall.

Swift Action by Authorities

The next morning, fishermen found her in Parsada village under Rengali police station area in Odisha, about 20 kilometres from her village. A police team from Sarangarh retrieved her from Parsada and brought her back to Saria, where she is now receiving medical care, stated the SP.

Her family did not report her missing, and there are no signs of foul play at this stage, although an investigation is ongoing, Sharma mentioned.

Chauhan's ordeal highlights the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues and their families. Her rescue was a fortunate outcome thanks to the quick actions of local fishermen and authorities.