Surat: What began as an attempt to scout for valuables in a building ended with two suspected thieves clinging to an iron rod outside a third-floor window, fearing they would be thrashed by a crowd.With the youths, one 18 years old and another 17, stranded on a narrow ledge and at risk of falling, police called in Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) for a challenging rescue.Roshan Sahani (18) and his 17-year-old friend had entered the building on Bamroli Road from the rear after climbing a wall along a creek on Sunday night. They reached the third floor while looking for valuables, but were spotted by locals, who raised an alarm and shouted at them to stop.“The duo then walked on a narrow overhanging eave to avoid being chased or caught,” an SFES official said.The youths eventually reached a narrow ledge outside a window, where movement was difficult and potentially life-threatening. Fearing they would be beaten if they climbed down, they remained there, holding on to an iron rod to avoid falling.Locals alerted police, and a police control-room vehicle reached the spot. “They were standing on a narrow ledge where it was difficult for others to reach them. There was a danger of falling and sustaining severe injuries,” the official said.Police then called SFES to ensure the youths could be brought down safely. Firefighters contacted the owner of the unit, accessed the third floor and reached the window where the two were trapped outside.“We rescued them by cutting the iron rods using a cutter and handed them over to police for further investigation,” an SFES officer said.The two were taken to Khatodara police station. Police said they did not find evidence of their involvement in any theft. However, Sahani was arrested under preventive provisions, while further inquiry was initiated.
