Balasore, July 6: In an inspiring act of humanity, a truck driver from Odisha's Balasore district rescued a married woman from an alleged suicide attempt and ensured her safe return to her family, earning praise from all quarters.
The driver, identified as Mrutyunjay Kumar Ghosh (51) of Gobarghata village under Jaleswar block, displayed remarkable presence of mind after the woman allegedly jumped in front of his truck on National Highway near Phuladi on the outskirts of Balasore around midnight on Friday.
Mrutyunjay was returning from Chandikhol after loading stone chips when the incident occurred. He immediately applied the brakes, preventing a tragedy, before parking his truck and speaking to the distressed woman to understand the reason behind her desperate act.
According to Mrutyunjay, the woman alleged that she had been subjected to repeated harassment by her in-laws and had been confined to her house by her husband for a prolonged period. She said she had managed to escape and decided to end her life rather than return to her matrimonial home.
After counselling her and convincing her not to take the extreme step, Mrutyunjay decided not to leave her alone at the deserted stretch of the highway, which he described as a crime-prone area. Instead, he took her to his residence, reaching home at around 3 a.m.
As heavy rain continued on Saturday, the woman stayed safely at his home. On Sunday, after the weather improved, Mrutyunjay contacted her maternal uncle and later escorted her to her relatives' house after due discussions. He also informed her parental family, who had been searching for her. Relieved to find her safe, the family expressed gratitude and lauded the truck driver's selfless gesture.
Speaking about the incident, Mrutyunjay said he could not leave a lone woman stranded on an isolated road late at night. "Saving a life was my priority. I only did what any responsible person should do," he said.
The incident also drew the attention of Sujata Nayak, Member of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and a social activist. She spoke to the officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, following which the police called the woman, her husband and her in-laws for questioning.
Based on the woman's allegations of harassment, police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Mrutyunjay's timely intervention and compassionate act have been widely appreciated, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the humanitarian side of the trucking community.
