From Despair to Shock: Woman Abandons Suicide After Spotting Crocodile Climbing a Tree in Ganga

In a heart-wrenching tale that took an astonishing turn, a woman’s desperate attempt to end her life in the sacred waters of the Ganga river was abruptly halted by an encounter so bizarre, it redefined her will to survive. Near the Narora barrage in Bulandshahr, 50-year-old Shailja Devi, burdened by a chronic illness and the recent loss of her husband, waded into the river, intending to succumb to its currents.

But what unfolded next was a scene ripped from a wildlife documentary, rather than a somber personal tragedy.

As she entered the murky depths, her eyes fixed on an unthinkable sight: a colossal crocodile, estimated to be between 10 to 12 feet long, precariously perched on a tree that had partially submerged in the river.

The sheer improbability of a reptile known for its aquatic prowess climbing a tree was enough to stun anyone. This wasn't a predatory ambush, however. The mighty reptile was, in fact, battling for its own survival, having been swept close to the barrage by powerful currents and seeking refuge on the only available perch.

Witnessing the crocodile's struggle, as it eventually lost its grip and splashed back into the river, completely shattered Shailja Devi's focus on her own despair.

The primal fear and the raw instinct for survival exhibited by the giant creature ignited a sudden spark within her. Her suicidal resolve evaporated instantly, replaced by an urgent, overwhelming need to live.

Overcome with a newfound terror and a stark realization, she turned back, abandoning her fateful decision.

Crying for help, she struggled towards the bank, where alert locals quickly came to her aid, pulling her to safety. Police and forest department officials were immediately informed, not just about the rescued woman, but also about the highly unusual sighting of the tree-climbing crocodile. While the croc was later seen swimming away, seemingly unharmed, the incident left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.

Shailja Devi, hailing from Badaun, later revealed the depths of her suffering.

Battling what she believed to be a severe and debilitating illness, possibly cancer, and reeling from the death of her husband a year prior, she had felt there was no other recourse. The unexpected encounter in the Ganga, however, forced a profound shift in her perspective. After receiving initial medical attention and counselling, she was safely reunited with her family, carrying with her the extraordinary memory of a moment that unexpectedly brought her back from the brink.

This remarkable incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable tapestry of life and the powerful, sometimes shocking, ways in which nature can intervene.

It’s a testament to the primal instinct for survival, echoed not just in the majestic reptile battling the Ganga's currents, but also in the woman who, in her darkest hour, found an unexpected reason to cling to life.