A high-voltage drama unfolded at the Sector 10 Montessori School Gada junction along Petanala Road in Markat Nagar on Tuesday afternoon when an intoxicated man climbed atop a massive billboard hoarding frame, causing panic and paralyzing traffic for hours.
The man was identified as Bhalu Chuin (32), a resident of Bidanasi Nuasahi who works as a decoration artisan and daily wage laborer. According to eyewitnesses, Bhalu was heavily intoxicated when he abruptly scaled the structure around 3 PM. Upon reaching the top frame, he hung precariously from the iron bars while hurling abuse at passersby below.
As onlookers gathered and urged him to climb down, Bhalu ignored their pleas and repeatedly threatened to jump from the tower. Panicked onlookers quickly notified the local authorities.
Given that the incident occurred near the overlapping boundaries of three police jurisdictions, teams from Bidanasi, Markat Nagar, and Phase-2 police stations rushed to the scene alongside a specialized unit from the Bidanasi Fire Station.
Firefighters immediately positioned safety nets around the base of the tower to mitigate any fall. However, as two personnel attempted to climb up and reach him, Bhalu grew aggressive, paced recklessly along the structural beams, and threatened to throw himself off if anyone stepped closer.
Realizing the extreme risk involved, the rescue team pivoted their strategy. Ground personnel and police officers began talking to Bhalu, actively distracting his attention.
Capitalizing on the distraction, two firefighters stealthily climbed the opposite side of the hoarding frame. They caught him off guard, successfully pinned him down, and safely lowered him to the ground using protective gear.
The ordeal concluded without injury. Police subsequently took Bhalu into custody at the Bidanasi Police Station for further processing.
