BHUJ, GUJARAT: A 17-year-old labourer, identified as Rustom Sheikh from Jharkhand, died despite an intensive, eight-hour-long rescue operation after he fell into a 140-foot deep borewell in Kukma village, Bhuj taluka, Gujarat, on Saturday evening.
The incident was reported to the police at 6:30 pm Saturday. A large-scale rescue effort involving borewell operators and multiple agencies was immediately launched.
Rescue Effort and Tragic Outcome
Deputy Superintendent of Police M.J. Christian confirmed that upon arrival, the victim was screaming from inside the narrow 1.5-foot-wide borewell. Authorities promptly arranged and started an oxygen supply to the boy.
After nearly eight hours of continuous effort, Sheikh was finally pulled out around 3:00 am on Sunday. He was rushed to GK General Hospital but was tragically declared dead by doctors.
Police Suspect Suicide
While the incident was initially reported as a fall, the primary police investigation suggests a heartbreaking cause: suicide.
DySP Christian stated that Rustom Sheikh is suspected to have jumped into the borewell following an argument with his father over renting an expensive mobile phone.
Further investigation is underway.