Kendujhar: High drama unfolded at Shalapada Fire Services station in Ghasipura, near Anandapur in Odisha’s Kendujhar district on Saturday, when a firefighter scaled the building’s rooftop and allegedly threatened to end his life.
The employee, identified as Hemananda Dehury, caused widespread panic among onlookers and colleagues as he threatened self-immolation from the top of the three-storey building. However, prompt intervention by fellow firefighters and station staff prevented a tragedy, as they engaged in a prolonged negotiation to calm him down and safely coax him off the roof. Following the rescue, Dehury was rushed to a nearby medical facility for observation and treatment.
Later speaking to the media, Dehury cited severe workplace mental stress and alleged ongoing harassment by a senior officer as the primary catalyst for his desperate actions. He claimed that persistent workplace friction made it impossible to carry out his duties effectively, warning that he would take further extreme steps if official action was not taken to resolve his grievances.
While further details regarding any official action in connection with the allegations were not immediately available, the incident has sparked broader concerns over mental health and employee welfare within the regional Fire Services department.