In Pandhurna district of Madhya Pradesh, a 350‑foot mobile tower became the stage for the country's longest "tower drama" when an inebriated man perched atop it for three days. The incident triggered a massive rescue mission involving local police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and several auxiliary agencies, culminating in a successful extraction.

Timeline of Events

On Monday evening around 4 p.m., an unidentified individual, clutching a bottle of alcohol, began scaling the tower’s ladder. Bystanders attempted to stop him, but the drunk man ignored their shouts and reached the narrow summit, where he settled. Police were alerted immediately.

Initial Police Measures

Station in‑charge Amit Daani confirmed that the youth was heavily intoxicated and unresponsive to commands. To mitigate the risk of a fall, officers laid mattresses around the base and deployed a strong net beneath the tower. When local efforts proved insufficient, the SDRF was summoned for specialized rescue support.

SDRF‑Police Joint Operation (51 Hours)

The SDRF team, aware of the tower’s height, darkness and high‑voltage equipment, employed advanced climbing gear and technical expertise. They maintained a dialogue with the man to keep him calm while continuously checking the safety net. After 51 arduous hours, the team safely lowered the individual at approximately 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Aftermath and Implications

The crowd of onlookers and officials breathed a collective sigh of relief as the man touched the ground. Authorities are now awaiting his recovery of consciousness to verify his identity and investigate the motives behind his climb. The episode underscores the critical need for rapid, coordinated emergency responses and heightened public awareness around high‑voltage structures.