Sources said the boy, who hails from the Rairakhol area, had recently eloped with his minor girlfriend. The duo was later traced and rescued by Railway Police before being produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). As per the committee’s direction, the boy was placed at Utkal Balashram, while the girl was sent to a Sakhi Counselling Centre.

The incident triggered panic and attracted a large crowd near the Balashram premises. Fire services personnel, police, and a team from the Angul Municipality reached the spot and launched efforts to persuade him to come down. After prolonged counselling and assurances from officials that he would be allowed to meet the girl, the boy finally climbed down safely, ending the tense drama.