Heroic locals and JCB save police jeep from flood waters in northern India
by Aditi VermaIn a dramatic rescue during heavy rains in northern Idia’s Rajasthan, quick-thinking locals and a JCB operator saved the lives of six police officers after their jeep was swept away by floodwaters from an overflowing lake.
The incident took place near the Jait Sagar Lake in Mahaveer Colony, Bundi district on August 15.
Visuals showed after continuous heavy rain, a flooded area became severely waterlogged, trapping a police jeep that was slowly submerging. The scene was tense as water surged around the vehicle, threatening to pull it under. Nearby, concerned locals quickly gathered, some with ropes, others with makeshift tools, determined to save the officers inside. The water was chest-deep, swirling, and dangerous, yet these brave individuals worked together, throwing ropes and forming a human chain to reach the jeep, pulling the officers to safety one by one.
Heavy rains in Bundi have caused the Jait Sagar Lake to overflow, leading to the Bundi administration opening all the gates to prevent further damage. As the water flowed rapidly through the Jait Sagar canal, a police jeep carrying six officers was swept away while crossing a flooded bridge in Mahaveer Colony.
The jeep was returning from an Independence Day event when it encountered a deep pothole on the bridge, causing it to lose control and drift about 20-25 feet in the strong current. The policemen shouted for help, and bystanders immediately sprang into action, throwing ropes and large rags to pull them out one by one.
As the situation grew more dire, senior officials, including the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, rushed to the scene. A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), led by Commando Gopal Singh, arrived shortly after and coordinated with a JCB operator to pull the submerged jeep out of the canal.
The swift response and bravery of the locals and officials prevented a potential tragedy, highlighting the importance of community action in times of crisis. The area remains under close watch as heavy rains continue, with Mahaveer Colony and Jawahar Colony both experiencing severe flooding.