Kendujhar: High drama unfolded at Harichandanpur in Odisha’s Kendujhar district on Wednesday afternoon when a 21-year-old man climbed the spire of an under-construction Jagannath temple, threatening to take his life if his marriage with his girlfriend was not finalised.
Perched precariously at the top, he threatened to jump if his demands were not met, sparking a tense standoff that drew a large crowd and prompted a swift response from police and fire services.
The youth, identified as Manmath Mohanta of Kaliaduma village, was in a relationship with a young woman from neighbouring Kandabarisi village. The couple eloped two days ago but were persuaded to return home after an agreement between the families that their wedding would be solemnised. Tensions escalated when the girl’s relatives allegedly took her away again.
Around 2 pm, Mohanta scaled the temple structure and began calling out his conditions, even attempting to contact his girlfriend by phone from the height. Locals alerted the police, leading to the arrival of Harichandanpur police personnel and fire brigade teams. Family members and officials spent hours trying to persuade him to come down safely.
The standoff ended around 4:30 pm when fire services personnel used a ladder to reach the top, negotiated with the youth, and brought him down unharmed.
Harichandanpur police station IIC Mitali Biswal confirmed that Mohanta was rescued safely and that authorities were speaking with him to resolve the matter.
Mohanta’s father provided further context, explaining that the young woman had been staying in a mess and was allegedly mistreated by her mother. She reportedly confessed her love for his son and said that she would commit suicide if he did not take her away, prompting the young couple to travel to Kendujhar town with plans to marry. After bringing her back amid heavy rains that affected communication, the father attempted mediation. During discussions, the girl reportedly reaffirmed her desire to marry Mohanta. However, a confrontation erupted when an individual named Dushasana allegedly used abusive language, assaulted the youth, and forcibly took the girl away in a vehicle.
Distraught, Mohanta then fled and later climbed the temple. His father said the family was preparing to file a police report when they learned of his location at the Jagannath temple site.
