A dramatic rescue unfolded as a 35-year-old mentally unwell woman from Chhattisgarh was swept 20 kilometers down the swollen Mahanadi River, her feet shackled, before being saved by fishermen in neighboring Odisha. The woman, identified as Sarojani Chauhan, was found by local fishermen who then alerted authorities.

Chauhan had been living with her parents in Porath village, Saria, after separating from her husband. Due to her mental health condition, her family had shackled her feet to prevent her from leaving home frequently without informing anyone. On Thursday, after being rescued, Chauhan was transported back to her home in the Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district.

Following her return, Chauhan was hospitalized in Raigarh district for medical evaluation and treatment. Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Superintendent of Police Pushkar Sharma confirmed the circumstances of her situation and rescue. The incident highlights both the challenges faced by those with mental health issues and the critical role of timely intervention and community support in such emergencies.