This Odisha bridge has gained notoriety as 'suicide point'

Bhadrak: The bridge over Baitarani River in Chandbali block of Bhadrak district is in news for some strange reasons. Be it family dispute or failure in love, people have used this bridge for all the wrong reasons.

The locality is now earned the moniker 'suicide point' as data show more than 25 persons have attempted suicide by jumping off the bridge in the past two years. Some were fortunate and rescued by fishermen or boatmen whereas others have met their watery grave.

"Mostly due to family dispute or disturbances in love relationship, people are taking their lives at the bridge. Unfortunately, everyone has chosen it as a place to commit suicide," said SK Kadir, a local.

Expressing similar views, Jayanti Rout, a Chandbali resident said "The administration should take some concrete measures such as installing iron wire mesh to prevent such incidents."

According to sources, within last week three people had attempted suicide from the bridge. However, luckily locals and fire personnel rescued the three persons from drowning.

As per reports, anti-social elements have also chosen the bridge to scheme different crime related activities. Locals, therefore, have also demanded a round-the-clock vigil by police.

However, police and fire personnel stated that they cannot prevent suicides until awareness is created among masses.

"I have been posted here for five years and witnessing such suicide cases at the bridge. Unless awareness is created, people cannot be stopped from committing suicides," said Pradipta Lenka, Chandbali Fire Services personnel.

"If someone has any psychological problems, the concerned person should take help of family members or counsellors instead of choosing to commit suicide," stated Kamala Lochan Bhuyan, Inspector In-charge (IIC) of Chandbali Police Station.