Sambalpur, Nov 6: A woman devotee, who became trapped inside a narrow tunnel on Dumuri Hill in Sambalpur district during Saptarshi worship, was rescued after nearly four hours of intense efforts by Fire Service personnel and local police on Wednesday.

The woman, identified as Sujata Meher (35), a resident of Marangbahal village under Meghapal panchayat within Jujumura police limits, had gone to participate in the Bhandarghariani and Saptarshi worship on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. As part of the religious ritual, Sujata attempted to pass through the ancient tunnel located on Dumuri Hill, a site believed by devotees to grant wishes to those who successfully navigate through it.

However, during the attempt, Sujata became wedged between stone slabs and tree roots, getting stuck midway through the tunnel. Panic spread among the onlookers as repeated efforts to free her failed.

On being informed, Maneswar Fire Department and Jujumura police reached the site to begin a rescue operation. After almost four hours of continuous effort, the rescue teams were able to rescue Sujata, who was then immediately shifted to a nearby hospital.