Elappulli: Rajamma had the shock of her life when she slipped and fell into a deep well near her house. However, her neighbours Sukesh and Praveen soon rushed to her help, pulling her to safety. They didn’t leave Rajamma’s hand even while they hung onto a flimsy cloth rope for over 20 minutes.

The incident that shocked the people of Kizhakke Pokkanthode in Menonpara happened at around 10 am yesterday. Rajamma who lives with her daughter was alone at home when she slipped and fell into the well. S Sukesh and P Praveen, who are her neighbours, rushed to the spot, hearing commotion in the well. When they looked into the well, they saw Rajamma clinging to the rock wall just above the water. Sukesh quickly got into the well by stepping on the rings. He held Rajamma with one hand, securing her from falling into the water.

Meanwhile, Praveen inserted a temporary rope into the well made by tying together saris and other clothes. However, Rajamma who sustained an injury on her leg couldn’t climb up. Now, Praveen too entered the well to aid the rescue mission. But, the old woman was still unable to come up as her injury was quite severe. The duo hung on for several minutes, tightly holding Rajamma’s hand until help arrived. They didn’t leave the elderly woman’s hand even when they squirmed with pain.

Meanwhile, people residing in the neighbourhood had informed the fire force. Fire force personnel led by assistant station officer Benny K Andrews rescued Rajamma using a rope and net. Sukesh and Praveen too came up after that. The well that is more than 30 feet deep had water up to 15 feet. Rajamma returned to life because of the incredible bravery shown by Sukesh and Praveen as well as the support of the fire force. Meanwhile, Rajamma who sustained a leg injury is admitted in the district hospital.

S Sukesh who is the CPM Pokkanthode branch secretary and Praveen who is DYFI’s unit president are headload. Rajamma’s relatives said that she accidentally slipped and fell into the well while drawing water. Benny K Andrews was accompanied by fire force officers MV Manoj, P Manoj, Abu Salih, R Satheesh, C Satheesh, S Sudheesh, K Rajan and K Ramachandran in the rescue operation.