Ranchi: A 35-year-old man climbed a nearly 60-ft high-mast light at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium around midnight and remained perched there for seven and a half hours, triggering a prolonged rescue operation early Sunday.The incident disrupted a protest by aspirants alleging irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).Police identified the man as Heeralal Oraon, a resident of Latehar district who was present at the protest site.“As soon as we were alerted, police, fire brigade personnel and quick-response teams were sent to the spot. Rescue personnel remained stationed below the mast while officials tried to persuade him to climb down safely,” DSP Nikhil Rai said.Police said that Oraon initially refused to come down unless his wife, who had left for her parental home following a family dispute a few days ago, was brought to the stadium.“His demand was unrelated to the protest. We brought his wife to the spot, but he remained atop the mast for several more hours even after meeting her. It is unclear whether he is an aspirant,” Rai said.After repeated counselling by police and his family members, Oraon eventually climbed down safely. Police said he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and handed him over to his family.Similar tower-climbing incidents over relationship, land and administrative disputes have been reported in the state in recent months.
