An atmosphere of shock spread around Nainital Lake on Thursday morning when a 60-year-old man from Bareilly, Avtar Singh, attempted suicide during a boating ride.
Our correspondent reports that Singh, while in the middle of the lake, pulled out two ₹500 notes, handed them to the boatman, and asked that one be offered at a temple and the other at a gurdwara. Before the boatman could react, Singh removed his life jacket and jumped into the lake.
Fortunately, other boatmen nearby acted swiftly. They jumped into action and managed to rescue the elderly man from drowning. The police were immediately informed and arrived at the scene without delay.
The rescued man was taken to the local police post for questioning. He reportedly admitted that family stress and depression had driven him to take the drastic step. Police then called his family members to Nainital.
Our correspondent adds that Singh was given counselling at the police post before being handed over safely to his relatives. According to Sub-Inspector Satish Upadhyay, “The man was in distress, but after counselling and family support, he was released in safe custody of his kin.”
