VELLORE: The Collectorate here witnessed tense moments on Friday morning when a youth, who climbed to the fifth floor of the ‘B’ block, threatened to commit suicide by jumping from there. Clinging onto a fire extinguisher which he had found nearby, he used it to threaten the police, demanding the release of his brother, who had been remanded in connection with a case.
A 10-member police team, which negotiated with him for over an hour, finally grabbed him and the drama concluded. The youth was identified as one Manikantan of Poondi village near Arcot. A large gathering of visitors, who had come to the Collectorate, witnessed the drama which kept the officials literally on tenterhooks as the Cooperatives Minister was reviewing the work in ‘A’ block. As Manikantan was not able to speak clearly, the police had a tough time in understanding what his demands were. Initially, he said his brother Sivakumar had been kidnapped and the police should trace him but later he claimed that police had arrested his brother and should release him.
Each time someone tried to approach Manikantan, he climbed the parapet wall and threatened to jump. However, after nearly an hour, he appeared exhausted and sat on the floor. The police then acted quickly to clear the crowd. They then climbed the fifth floor and caught him.