A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, on Monday evening when a former Special Police Officer (SPO) from Jammu and Kashmir climbed a tall pine tree and threatened suicide over a drastic salary reduction. The incident ended after nearly five hours of negotiation, culminating in the intervention of a local MLA from Kathua.

The Incident: Officer Climbs Tree, Threatens Suicide

The individual, identified as Shyam Lal, aged 48, reportedly climbed a 15-metre-high pine tree near Banikhet around 4:30 PM, refusing to descend. Witnesses said Lal appeared distressed and shouted to passers-by that he would hang himself if anyone tried to climb the tree.

Lal, who claimed to be a former SPO, stated that his monthly salary had been reduced from ₹18,000 to ₹4,000 after the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving him in severe financial distress.

Police and Fire Services Respond

Alerted by local villagers, the village sarpanch informed the authorities, prompting a response by Dalhousie Police and fire brigade teams. Rescue nets were laid, a ladder was brought in, and personnel surrounded the area in preparation for a safe rescue.

MLA From Kathua Called In

After several unsuccessful negotiation attempts, the police contacted Rameshwar Singh, MLA from Bani in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the 68 km distance between Bani and Banikhet, Singh reached the spot by 9:20 PM, spoke directly with the distressed man, and convinced him to come down.

Singh later told reporters:

“He said his salary dropped to ₹4,000 post-Covid. He has a child in Chandigarh and loans to repay. He felt hopeless and chose to climb the tree in desperation.”

While expressing sympathy, the MLA clarified that salary matters fall under the Centre’s jurisdiction, given that J&K is a Union Territory.

Police Clarification: Shyam Lal Was Not an Active SPO

DIG Kathua Shiv Kumar later clarified that Shyam Lal was no longer an active SPO, having been disengaged years ago. This contradicts Lal’s claims of recent service and salary cuts, although authorities acknowledged his difficult financial condition.

After a medical check-up, the individual was allowed to return to Jammu and Kashmir with the MLA. Authorities did not register any case, and no substance abuse was found, ruling out intoxication as a factor.

Meanwhile, some local officers, moved by the man’s ordeal, have expressed willingness to raise the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.