Quick action by police helped prevent a tragedy in Mira Road early Monday after a family of four, including two young children, was allegedly preparing to jump from a bridge amid financial difficulties.
The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar police control room alerted personnel at Kashigaon police station around 2am after receiving information that a 28-year-old man was allegedly attempting to end his life along with his wife and their two daughters, aged one and two, at Fountain Bridge.
Beat marshals Santosh Kokre and Vikas Mohite immediately rushed to the location. Within about 20 minutes, the officers located the family and managed to bring them to safety before anyone was harmed.
During questioning, the man, who lives in Mira Road, told police that he worked as a delivery agent. According to police, he had borrowed around Rs 3.5 lakh from his sister several months ago after pledging gold ornaments.
As his financial difficulties increased, his sister allegedly began asking him to redeem the pledged jewellery, sell it and repay the loan. Police said the mounting financial pressure, along with the dispute over the loan, left the man deeply distressed.
Investigators said he subsequently allegedly decided to take the extreme step along with his wife and two children.
“The moment we received the information, beat marshals were alerted and they immediately rushed to the spot. Their timely intervention helped avert a major tragedy,” said sub-inspector Harish Patil.
The family was subsequently taken away from the bridge and counselled, police said.
