Koderma: On the treacherous 22-km Koderma valley stretch of the Ranchi-Patna NH-20, where sharp bends and steep gradients frequently lead to crashes, hotel owner Sagar Giri has emerged as a lifeline for accident victims.For nearly a decade, the 31-year-old has rushed the injured to hospitals, often braving heavy rain, darkness and difficult road conditions. His intervention has helped more than 100 crash victims receive medical care during the crucial “golden hour”, earning him the sobriquet “Devdut of Koderma Ghati” among residents.Giri’s journey began after he witnessed a child bleeding profusely following an accident. While bystanders remained hesitant, he overcame his fear of blood and took the injured child to hospital.“I was deeply disturbed to see the child lying injured while people stood around, unable to help. Though I was uncomfortable at the sight of blood, I decided to take the victim to hospital myself,” he recalled.That moment transformed him. Over the years, Giri has become one of the first people residents contact whenever an accident is reported in the valley. Regardless of the hour or weather, he reaches the spot, helps shift victims and ensures they receive treatment without delay.“What gives me immense satisfaction is seeing accident victims survive and return to their families. The gratitude on their faces is my biggest reward,” he said.The stretch has long been identified by the district administration as an accident-prone zone. For travellers caught in emergencies, Giri’s presence has often proved critical.Koderma police station officer in-charge Arvind Kumar said Giri routinely provides vital assistance after accidents. “Such individuals deserve recognition for their outstanding humanitarian service,” he said.Honoured three times by the district administration, Giri remains steadfast in his mission: no accident victim on the dangerous highway stretch should be left without help when every minute can mean the difference between life and death.
