LUCKNOW: In a remarkable display of courage and presence of mind, two Class 10 students risked their own lives to rescue a woman who had jumped into a fast-flowing canal following a family dispute in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district.The incident occurred at the Saat-Paanch bridge over the Deoria Branch Canal of the Narayani river in Nichlaul area.According to eyewitnesses, the woman, believed to be around 30 years old, was standing on the bridge with her family members when an argument broke out.As the dispute escalated, she allegedly threw her mobile phone onto the road and suddenly ran towards the canal.Before her relatives could react, the woman jumped into the canal and was quickly swept away by the strong current. Seeing her struggle in the water, panic gripped those present at the spot. Although several passers-by and local residents gathered near the bridge, none initially ventured into the canal because of the risk posed by the swift flow.At that moment, Krishna Gupta, a resident of Sekhui, and Saddam Hussain, from Kohadwal, both 16-year-old students of Class 10 at Masih Sevashram Inter College, took the initiative. Without considering their own safety, the teenagers jumped into the canal and swam towards the woman.Battling the strong current, the duo managed to reach the woman and keep her afloat. After a strenuous struggle, they guided her towards the bank, where other bystanders joined the rescue effort and helped pull her safely out of the water.A video of the rescue, recorded by a bystander, later went viral on social media and drew widespread praise for the students’ bravery and quick thinking.The courageous act also earned appreciation from the police and the school administration.Superintendent of police Shakti Mohan Awasthi honoured both students with certificates of appreciation for their exceptional bravery, presence of mind and humanitarian spirit. Principal Father Praveen Pulinthanathan announced that the students would also be felicitated during the school’s assembly.Circle Officer Ravindra Kumar Singh said police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. Authorities are now seeking to ascertain the circumstances that led the woman to take the extreme step.
