A minor girl in Andhra Pradesh's Konaseema district saved herself by clinching on to a pipe near the Godavari River after being pushed off a bridge by her mother's live-in partner. The girl was rescued in an operation after she dialled 100 for police help.
"I am about to fall into Godavari river. I am holding on to a pipe and hanging. Please come soon," the girl told the police. Although the girl could not give her exact location, the police traced the call and reached the old bridge on Gautami River in Ravulapalem.
The police and the disaster mamangement team then rescued the girl, who was holding on to the pipe for several hours. The incident happened on Sunday.
Upon investigation, police found that the girl's mother was involved in a live-in relationship with a man from Guntur. On Sunday, the man took the woman and her two daughters on a trip to Rajahmundry.
However, the man pushed the woman, the girl and her one-year-old sister into the river and fled the spot. While the woman and the one-year-old baby fell into the river, the girl managed to hold on to a plastic cable pipe next to the bridge.
She then took out the mobile phone from her pocket and alerted the police control room by calling '100'.
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Police have started an extensive search operation for the girl's mother and her one-year-old daughter in the river with the help of swimmers. Police have also launched a manhunt for the accused based on information received from the girl.
The District Superintendent of Police (DSP) praised the girl's bravery and presence of mind, saying her timely action saved her life. He also appreciated the swift and efficient response of the police during the rescue mission.
(With inputs from ABP Desam)