In a heart-wrenching incident that highlights the extreme struggles of the destitute and mentally ill, a 35-year-old mentally unstable man was found eating the flesh of a roadkill dog on a national highway near Sambalpur.
A video of the distressing scene quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread concern and discussions regarding mental health awareness and stray care.
However, prompt intervention by a local youth and administrative authorities ultimately ensured a safe and hopeful resolution, reuniting the distressed family with their long-lost son.
The Harrowing Discovery
According to reports, the incident occurred near the Maneshwar Chhak under the Sambalpur Sadar police limits. Passersby and travellers noticed a man sitting in the middle of the road during the late evening hours. Due to his dishevelled appearance, it was evident he was struggling with his mental health. To the horror of onlookers, he was consuming flesh from a dog that had died following a vehicular collision.
While locals initially attempted to stop him from engaging in the unsettling act, the man grew frightened, aggressive, and hostile, eventually attempting to wander off toward a nearby hotel where no one could understand his plight.
Humanity Intervenes
Witnessing the disturbing situation, a local resident named Debendra Behera stepped forward to display exemplary humanity. Approaching the distressed youth with empathy, Mr Behera gently tried to converse with him and inquired about his identity.
Despite his impaired mental state, the youth managed to recall and recite a phone number in Hindi. Mr Behera immediately dialled the number and successfully established contact with the young man’s father, Jami Rudhin.
Months of Agony Ended
Family members revealed that the rescued 35-year-old man, named Sohid, had been missing since October 3. His distraught family had previously lodged a formal missing person complaint at their local police station.
According to his father, Sohid was a bright student in his early years but began showing signs of mental illness during the ninth standard. While he remained stable as long as he took his prescribed medications regularly, skipping the medication often triggered severe relapses.
Safe Rescue and Relief
Following the breakthrough, local police and administrative teams rushed to the scene, securely rescuing Sohid and transferring him to a safe shelter. Arrangements are currently underway to reunite him with his family members safely.
The vigilance and timely actions of local youth Debendra Behera, paired with the swift response of the local administration, saved the young man from a precarious fate, earning widespread praise from the public.
