PUNE: A 43-year-old autorickshaw driver tried to end his life on Gandhi Jayanti on Monday, in order to achieve the status of a martyr. He jumped off Rajaram Bridge on Monday night in an inebriated state but was saved by firefighters.

The driver was identified as Ravindra Ubhe, a resident of Karve Nagar. He reached Rajaram Bridge in his autorickshaw at around 10 pm. He parked the three-wheeler at the bridge and then jumped into the Mutha river. Fortunately, he landed at the corner of the riverbed and was saved by firefighters, who were alerted by locals. According to Warje-Malwadi police station, after being extracted from the river, Ubhe told the police that he wanted to become a martyr by ending up his life on Gandhi Jayanti.

Police said that Ubhe was drunk and jumped into the river because he was under the influence of alcohol.

Bajirao Mole, Police Inspector, Warje-Malwadi police station, said, “He is suffering from chronic illness and has attempted to end his life twice in the past as well. He just made up the story of dying as a martyr. We have not booked him and have handed him over to his family."