Nayagarh, Sept 7: A college student who became stranded atop Rukhi Hill in Nayagarh after being caught in rain and darkness was rescued late Sunday night following a five-hour joint operation by the Fire Services, Forest Department and police.
Aditya, a second-year Plus Three student of Nayagarh Autonomous College, had gone to Rukhi Hill near Nayagarh town on Sunday afternoon for a visit. However, he was unable to find his way back after reaching the hilltop.
At around 7 pm, Aditya called his brother and informed him that he was stranded on the hill. His father subsequently alerted Nayagarh Town Police, following which a rescue operation was launched.
Rescuing the student at night proved challenging as the hill is surrounded by dense forest and is known to have wild animals. Members of the rescue team also reportedly spotted several large snakes while making their way up the hill.
The rescue team tracked Aditya using his mobile phone location and the light from his phone. They eventually reached him at around 11 pm. After safely bringing him down, the team reached the foothill with Aditya at approximately midnight.
The student's family and others expressed their gratitude to the Fire Services personnel and other members of the rescue team for their courage and efforts in ensuring his safe rescue.
Aditya reportedly said that he had climbed the hill twice before with his friends. However, as it was Sunday, he decided to visit the hill alone this time.