CUTTACK: A 21-year-old mentally-challenged youth sustained critical injuries after allegedly jumping off a 50-feet-high water tank on the premises of SCB Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday, a day after being admitted to the facility for treatment.
The injured was identified as Rajesh Parida of Motarangapala under Jajpur Town police limits. Sources said he suffered grievous injuries after the fall and his condition is stated to be critical.
As per reports, Rajesh was brought to SCB MCH by his paternal uncle Madhusudan Parida and aunt Sabitri Majhi on Monday following a similar distressing incident when he suffered injuries after allegedly banging his head against a wall of their house.
His uncle Madhusudan said Rajesh was mentally-challenged. He was brought to the trauma casualty ward of the hospital at around 12.05 pm on Monday. After examining his health condition, doctors advised them to consult the psychiatry department at the hospital. On the day, Rajesh along with his uncle and aunt was reportedly waiting near a Maa Tarini temple close to the water tank on the hospital premises for the psychiatry department to open for consultation when the incident occurred.
“We were waiting when Rajesh suddenly broke away from us towards the water tank and scaled to the top. Even though we and others present at the spot persuaded him to come down, he ignored our pleas,” said Madhusudan.
On being informed, police and fire services personnel reached the spot and coaxed Rajesh to come down to safety. However despite prolonged efforts by the rescue team, his family members and hospital staff for around 30 minutes, he refused to budge, and jumped off the water tank before safety arrangements could be made, said some eyewitnesses.
Sources said he sustained injuries to his head, hands, legs and chest, and was immediately rushed to the trauma casualty ward for treatment. His condition is presently critical.
The incident has, meanwhile, triggered tension at SCB MCH with stress being laid on the urgent need for instant and enhanced mental health support and specialised crisis intervention protocols for mentally-challenged patients at the hospital.