Bhadohi (UP), March 17 A 58-year-old man, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, climbed onto a high-voltage pole here and precariously perched himself between two 11,000-volt wires, triggering panic among locals and a two-hour operation for his rescue, police said.
The incident took place around 1 pm in Ugapur village under the Aurai police station limits, when the man, identified as Jagdish Yadav, climbed over 50 feet on the high-voltage transmission tower and positioned himself between the wires, tying a cloth to secure himself to his perch.
Police said although no current was flowing in the high-voltage lines at the time, authorities immediately alerted the power department and ensured the supply remained shut.
Inspector Ashwini Kumar Tripathi said police rushed to the spot after receiving a call and spread mattresses on the ground while trying to persuade the man to climb down.
"Despite repeated appeals, he refused to listen and kept talking incoherently due to heavy intoxication," Tripathi said.
With the risk of power being restored at any moment, officials coordinated with the fire department, which eventually brought him down safely using a ladder, nearly after two hours after his ascent.
The man was later handed over to his family members, police said, adding that he is a resident of Hirapur village in the same police station area.
Family members told police that Yadav is a habitual drinker and had left home earlier in the day in an inebriated state.
No injuries were reported in the incident.