Dhenkanal, May 9: A youth has climbed a mobile tower behind the Dhenkanal District Information Center, threatening to commit suicide. He is holding a petrol bottle and a diya, warning that he will set himself on fire if his demands are not met.

The Dhenkanal Town police and fire brigade have reached the spot and are trying to rescue him. However, the situation is tense as the youth has threatened to harm him if anyone comes close. Over a hundred local residents have gathered below, watching anxiously.

The youth has been identified as Rudra Narayan Das from Sogar village under Tumusingh Police Station. He joined the SOP Fast Battalion as a constable in 2018. During training, he fell ill and was sent home on medical leave. After returning, he claims he was unfairly dismissed from service.

Rudra is from a family struggling financially, and his mother is battling cancer. He has repeatedly approached authorities, from the police DG and SP to the District Collector and even the President, but says no one has addressed his concerns.

He demands that his mother receive proper medical treatment and that he be reinstated in his job. Rescue teams are continuing negotiations to bring him down safely.