Cyclist falls 35 feet into ditch in Dang, rescued by cops newly trained to help trapped tourists

The two constables, Rajubhai Deshmukh and Santosh Vaghmare, are part of the “Pravasi Mitra” (Friends of Tourists) scheme, which was established six months ago in Dang. The scheme trains policemen to conduct rescue operations for trapped tourists. Reportedly, they immediately retrieved their rescue kit and tied ropes to one end of the wall to enter the ditch.

Constable Deshmukh told The Indian Express that they managed to pull Patel from the “slippery” ditch after half an hour of pushing him upwards. Patel had been holding onto a tree branch.

Deshmukh added, “We took him to the primary health care center at Saputara, where he received treatment. He was heavyset, and we faced many challenges in rescuing him. If we had not acted promptly, he would have fallen deeper.”

Later in the evening, Patel was discharged from the hospital and visited the Saputara police station to thank both Pravasi Mitra constables. His statement was also recorded.

Dang Deputy Superintendent of Police S G Patil said the duty of the Pravasi Mitra policemen is to “be a helpful hand to tourists.” “They are posted at various dangerous spots along the road, starting from the Saputara hill to the downward area. They even guide tourists to famous places. They work day and night at different tourist spots in the Dang district,” he said.

Patel, a retiree, has been staying alone in a rented house in the Navagam area near the Saputara hill station for the last 15 days to pursue his hobbies of cycling and trekking.