Varanasi: A dramatic scene unfolded on Thursday morning at the Malviya Bridge over the Ganga when a mentally unstable youth climbed atop one of its steel arches, striking poses and dancing.As an NDRF personnel attempted to rescue him, the youth slapped the rescuer and leapt into the river. He was swiftly pulled out by the force’s team and rushed to the SPG divisional hospital, but despite efforts he succumbed during treatment.ACP (Kotwali) Vijay Pratap Singh said NDRF rescuers pulled out the youth who had jumped into the Ganga from the top of Malviya Bridge’s arch after behaving abnormally. Though saved from drowning, he could not survive and died during treatment, the ACP said and added that the body has been kept in the mortuary while efforts are underway to establish his identity.Earlier, around 10.15 am, commuters noticed the youth climbing atop one of the steel arches of Malviya bridge. They urged him to come down, but with every shout from the crowd on the bridge he shifted into new postures—mimicking a handgun, dancing and striking dramatic poses. The tense spectacle continued until an NDRF team arrived by boat near the bridge.Showing courage one of NDRF jawans climbed up the arch and tried to catch the youth to bring him down. However, the youth started slapping the NDRF jawan and later jumped into the river. On seeing it NDRF divers swung into action and saved him from drowning. After giving first aid on their boat they rushed him to SPG divisional hospital.
