Srinagar, Apr 25: Another suicide attempt at Srinagar’s Budshah Bridge was foiled on Saturday after alert locals and police personnel intervened in time, marking the third such incident in a row at the bridge. The public has also intensified its demand for immediate fencing and preventive measures.
An official said that the incident occurred in the evening when SDRF teams were winding up the day’s rescue operation near Budshah Bridge after continuing the search for a missing youth in river Jhelum.
“At that time, a man attempted to jump into the river; however, vigilant locals present at the spot, along with a police party deployed nearby, quickly noticed the move and rushed towards him, successfully preventing the tragedy,” he said, adding that the man was immediately taken into custody for his safety and later handed over to police for further proceedings.
The recent incident has sparked serious concern among locals, as Budshah Bridge has witnessed three jump attempts in the last few days, making it one of the city’s busiest bridges a vulnerable point.
Locals have appealed to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other authorities to urgently install iron fencing on both sides of the bridge, increase CCTV surveillance and ensure regular deployment of police and rescue teams.
“Three incidents in a row at the same bridge should be enough warning for the administration. Fencing must be installed without any delay,” said a pedestrian passing through the area. “Every day, people gather here after hearing someone tried to jump. This bridge needs proper safety barriers and round-the-clock monitoring.”
Another local said, “Budshah Bridge is in the heart of Srinagar and sees heavy movement throughout the day. Authorities must act now before another life is lost.”
Meanwhile, rescue teams of SDRF QRT Jhelum on Saturday resumed search operations for the fourth consecutive day to trace the body of Mohd Quresh Siddiqi (18), son of Mohd Nawab Siddiqi, resident of Uttar Pradesh, who had jumped into the river on April 22.
Officials said the teams carried out searches at Chattabal weir and other downstream areas throughout the day, but no trace of the missing youth was found till evening. The operation is expected to continue on Sunday—(KNO)
