A woman got trapped inside a cave near Bhandari Mal village in Sambalpur during Kartik Purnima celebrations on November 5, prompting a dramatic rescue operation.
Sujata Meher, 35, from Meghlal area, entered the cave while visiting the village for the festival. As she moved deeper into the narrow passage, her clothes snagged on a protruding rock, leaving her immobilized. Locals quickly alerted the fire services, and a rescue team from Maneswar rushed to the scene.
The cave, known for its spiritual significance, attracts hundreds of visitors during Kartik Purnima. Many believe that entering the cave brings health benefits, which encourages large crowds to explore its interior.
Upon arrival, the rescue team assessed the situation and began their operation. Four personnel entered the cave and carefully navigated the rocky terrain. They used tools to cut through the rocks and free Sujata, who remained calm throughout the ordeal. After nearly two hours of effort, the team successfully brought her out unharmed.
The incident sparked widespread discussion across Sambalpur district. While many praised the swift response of the fire services, others raised concerns about the safety of visitors entering the cave without supervision. Officials acknowledged the risks and announced plans to evaluate the site for future safety measures.
