A food delivery agent in Vadodara became a hero when she saved a woman from attempting suicide. Yashwanti Mishra, 36, noticed the distressed woman while waiting for an order near the railway station. It was around 3 pm on Friday when she first saw two women arguing with two men. At that time, Mishra thought it was just a public quarrel and left to complete her delivery. However, when she returned about half an hour later, she saw one of the women sitting outside MS University’s Experimental School, crying and shaking a water bottle filled with a cloudy liquid. Nearby, there was a recently opened packet of insecticide.
Realising the seriousness of the situation, Mishra felt the woman was about to harm herself. Although she was hesitant at first, she decided she could not stand by and do nothing. “I could not turn away when I saw how anguished the lady was,” Mishra said. She overheard the woman speaking on the phone, possibly to her son, saying he would not see her again. This deepened her concern.
Mishra quickly ran to the traffic police nearby, who advised her to call the emergency number 100. She did so while keeping an eye on the woman from a distance. The woman was waiting for the insecticide to mix with the water and continued to weep. Fortunately, the She Team from the Sayajigunj police station arrived promptly and prevented the suicide attempt.
After the incident, Mishra expressed her gratitude for being able to act quickly. “I am glad I was able to call in the police,” she said. The police took the woman to the station, where they began the process of counselling. An officer explained that the woman, around 35 years old, was depressed due to family issues and had been separated from her husband.
The police initiated counselling services for her. They reassured her that once she felt calmer, she could return to her family or go to the Sakhi One-Stop Centre for further support. This incident highlights the importance of being vigilant and empathetic towards those in distress. Mishra’s quick thinking and compassion potentially saved a life, showcasing how one person can make a significant difference in a moment of crisis.