Hooghly, 19 May (H.S.): A dramatic late-night rescue operation in Rishra saved the life of a cow that had fallen into a large roadside drain near Rishra Railway Station in Hooghly district on Monday night.

The rescue mission was carried out under the initiative of Ward No. 10 councillor Manoj Singh, with active support from local residents and fire brigade personnel.

According to local sources, the concrete slab covering a manhole over the drain had broken earlier, leaving the opening dangerously exposed. Late on Monday night, the cow accidentally slipped into the uncovered manhole and became trapped inside the drain.

After receiving information from residents, councillor Manoj Singh, along with BJP Yuva Morcha leader Santosh Mondal and other locals, rushed to the spot and alerted the fire brigade.

A fire engine soon arrived at the location, and firefighters launched an intensive rescue operation. Using hammers and other tools, the team widened a portion of the drain to safely pull the trapped animal out. After considerable effort, the cow was rescued alive, drawing relief and appreciation from onlookers.

Speaking after the operation, councillor Manoj Singh expressed concern over the condition of the manhole and questioned the apparent negligence behind the damaged slab.

“The slab covering the manhole had broken, yet no one informed the authorities. Had a person fallen into the drain, it could have led to a major tragedy. I sincerely thank the fire brigade personnel for their prompt response in saving the cow. We are also trying to find out how the slab broke. Those responsible for such negligence will not be spared,” he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey