An unexpected rescue operation unfolded in Kerala’s Kannur district after a sparrow trapped inside a closed textile showroom for days was finally set free, thanks to the intervention of concerned citizens and swift action from district authorities. The shop, located in Ullikal, had been locked for over six months due to an unresolved legal dispute and a directive from the Kerala High Court.
The bird’s frantic chirping was first noticed on Wednesday by passersby, drawing attention to its plight, as per a report on IANS. Trapped between a glass showcase and a shutter, the sparrow was struggling to escape through a small opening that it had inadvertently fallen through. Efforts to involve the fire and forest departments initially failed, as both agencies cited legal restrictions due to the court-ordered closure of the premises.
Local residents, determined to help, began slipping grains and water through the narrow space to keep the bird alive.
The Rescue
As the news spread, it reached Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan, who promptly instructed the Ullikal local body officials to take necessary steps to facilitate a rescue, reported on Manorama.
The Collector also contacted officials at Kerala High Court, who in turn relayed the issue to Kannur district judge Nissar Ahamed. By Thursday morning, Judge Ahamed arrived at the scene with local authorities. The court granted permission to open the shop temporarily, and within minutes, officials managed to unlock the shutter and open the glass display.
As the door opened, the disoriented sparrow initially fluttered in confusion before being gently caught by a rescuer. The crowd that had gathered watched in anticipation as the bird was released, soaring out of the shop and settling on a nearby tree branch. The bird’s flight was met with cheers and applause from the onlookers.
Expressing his appreciation, Judge Ahamed thanked the local community and the media for bringing the issue to light. “I would like to thank the locals and then the media that brought this to the attention of authorities. The authorities also acted quickly, and this became a reality,” he said.
