Two Class 10 students, Krishna Gupta and Saddam Hussain, risked their lives to rescue a woman who had jumped into the Narayani canal in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district. The incident took place in the Nichlaul area, where the teenagers spotted the woman struggling in the fast-moving water and entered the canal before police reached the spot.
Both students, who study at Masih Sevashram Inter College, managed to keep the woman afloat and bring her towards the bank, where other people helped pull her out.
The police later honoured the teenagers with certificates of appreciation, while District Magistrate Gaurav Singh Sogarwal also felicitated them with certificates and mementoes. The DM subsequently directed officials to initiate action to send their names for the National Bravery Award. The rescue, captured on video by a bystander, also drew attention on social media.
Teenagers Who Chose To Act
The incident unfolded near the Saat-Paanch bridge in Nichlaul, Maharajganj, when a woman reportedly jumped into the Narayani canal and was quickly swept away by its strong current. According to reports, people present near the bridge gathered after seeing her struggle, but the dangerous flow made entering the canal risky.
Krishna Gupta, a 16-year-old from Sekhui, and Saddam Hussain, also 16 and from Kohadwal, were passing through the area when they saw what was happening. Both are Class 10 students at Masih Sevashram Inter College.
Without waiting for the police team to arrive, the teenagers entered the canal and swam towards the woman. They managed to reach her, keep her afloat and guide her towards the bank, where bystanders helped pull her to safety. A video recorded by a person at the scene later circulated online.
The police confirmed that a team had been sent to the location after receiving information about the incident, but the students reached the woman before the officers arrived. Circle Officer Ravindra Kumar Singh said police reached the spot after being alerted and that authorities were looking into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s decision to enter the canal.
Reports have differed on the circumstances preceding the incident, with some mentioning a dispute involving the woman, so those details remain subject to official verification. One local report identified the woman as around 30-year-old Sakina Ansari of Jahda village, although wider reports have not consistently published her identity. After she was brought out, her family was informed and she was taken home once she was reported to be safe.
Police And District Honour
The teenagers’ actions soon received formal recognition. Maharajganj Superintendent of Police Shakti Mohan Awasthi honoured Krishna and Saddam with certificates of appreciation, praising their courage, presence of mind and humanitarian spirit.
The SP said their response during the emergency could encourage other young people and members of the public to come forward when someone is in distress. The district administration subsequently recognised their efforts as well.
On September 14, District Magistrate Gaurav Singh Sogarwal called the students to his office and presented them with certificates and mementoes. According to reports, Sogarwal described their action as an example of courage and humanity and said such conduct could inspire other young people.
He also directed the District Inspector of Schools and District Information Officer to take necessary steps towards sending the students’ names for the National Bravery Award. The district administration’s official website lists Sogarwal as Maharajganj’s District Magistrate and Awasthi as its Superintendent of Police.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
For The Logical Indian, the significance of Krishna and Saddam’s actions goes beyond a dramatic rescue caught on camera. Their response reflects the value of empathy seeing another person in danger and choosing not to look away. At the same time, their story should not be interpreted as encouragement for untrained people to enter dangerous waters; fast-flowing canals can pose a serious risk, and seeking trained emergency assistance remains crucial whenever possible.
What stands out here is the instinct to help and the sense of responsibility the two teenagers displayed at a critical moment. Their school has also recognised their actions, with the principal, Father Praveen Pulinthanathan, announcing that the students would be felicitated.
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