High-voltage drama: husband and wife’s standoff on power line ends in rescue in northern India
by Aditi VermaIn a dramatic turn of events, a domestic dispute in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh led to a high-voltage drama on a high-tension power line. Local authorities were on high alert for hours as a drunken man climbed the power line, followed by his wife, in a bid to resolve their conflict.
The incident took place in Itoura village in Kishanpur area of Fatehpur district and the video went viral on July 23.
Visuals showed a man sitting atop a high-tension power line pole, visibly upset with his wife. In a dramatic attempt to reconcile, his wife climbed halfway up the pole, trying to reach him. Below, a crowd of people gathered, shouting and urging the couple to come down. The tension and concern were palpable as the scene unfolded, with the high power lines adding a dangerous backdrop to the emotional standoff.
According to reports, the trouble began when Pappu Nishad, under the influence of alcohol, climbed a high-tension power line following an argument with his wife during a visit to his in-laws’ house. Despite the villagers’ repeated attempts to convince him to come down, Nishad refused to budge.
In a surprising twist, Nishad’s wife also climbed the power pole, attempting to calm her husband. The couple’s actions prompted the villagers to alert the police and the electricity department. The scene soon drew senior officials including the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Tehsildar, and the Station House Officer (SHO). Fire brigade and ambulance services were also deployed to the site.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation continued for five hours. Eventually, the officials managed to bring down Nishad’s wife, followed by Nishad himself. A safety net was placed under the power lines as a precautionary measure. Nishad was subsequently taken to the hospital for medical treatment and is reported to be safe.
The incident, which highlighted the extreme measures taken by individuals under the influence of alcohol and during domestic disputes, also showcased the swift response and coordination among various district authorities. Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media, capturing the intense and risky rescue operation.