Angul: A minor boy climbed nearly 100 feet up a tall eucalyptus tree and refused to come down for around one and a half hours, demanding to meet his girlfriend at Utkal Balashram in Amalapada under Angul police limits on Tuesday.
According to reports, the boy scaled the tree located inside the Balashram premises and allegedly threatened to end his life by fashioning a rope from a towel if his girlfriend was not brought before him. The incident created panic among authorities and locals present at the spot.
The boy, a native of the Rairakhol area, had reportedly eloped with his minor girlfriend recently. The couple was later traced and rescued by the Railway Police and subsequently produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). As per the committee’s directive, the boy was housed at Utkal Balashram, while the girl was shifted to a Sakhi Counselling Centre.
Upon receiving information, personnel from the fire services, police, and Angul Municipality rushed to the scene and initiated rescue and counselling efforts. Officials engaged the boy in prolonged dialogue, assuring him that his concerns would be addressed.
After nearly one and a half hours of high drama, the boy eventually climbed down safely following assurances from the authorities that he would be allowed to meet the girl. The situation was brought under control without any untoward incident.
