Swift response by cops saves life of suicidal woman

Chennai: Two policemen from Kodambakkam traffic enforcement wing in Chennai saved a woman, who attempted to end her life by jumping off the balcony of the fifth floor of a private hospital in Alwarpet on Saturday morning.

Head constable S Devaraj and constable G Premnath were stationed at Eldams Road-TTK Road traffic junction, ahead of the chief minister passing through the stretch, when they received a distress message about the woman's suicide attempt. The woman from Thiruvottiyur was undergoing psychiatric treatment at the hospital.

Upon reaching her room, Devaraj found two doctors and three nurses trying to negotiate with the distressed woman, who had already placed one leg over the balcony wall.

Devaraj said, "As soon as I saw the woman, my elder sister Latha came to my mind, and without delay, I told her, ‘Believe me as your brother, hold my hand'."

His empathetic approach helped establish trust. The negotiation continued for about 10-15 minutes, with Devaraj trying to calm her down. The patient expressed pain from an injury, making it difficult to hold her hand. After a few minutes of struggle, Devaraj successfully managed to pull her back to safety.

The hospital staff immediately administered sedatives, and the patient's husband was informed about the incident. The couple have two children, a son and a daughter.

Quick thinking and timely intervention of Devaraj and Premnath were appreciated by the public and police officials alike.

The incident highlighted the crucial role that traffic police officers play during emergencies, extending far beyond their regular duties. Police commissioner A Arun also praised the two officers for their efforts.

(Assistance for individuals experiencing emotional distress is available through Tamil Nadu's health helpline at 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050)