Norwegian tourist jumps from Jaipur hotel balcony after consuming 'bhang'; mistakes firecrackers for gunfire
Noe Finn Vetle, jumped from the balcony of a hotel in Jaipur during the Janmashtami celebrations. The confusion arose when Vetle, who was reportedly under the influence of 'bhang,' mistook the festive firecrackers for a potentially dangerous gunfire incident.
Vetle was staying on the third floor of a hotel in Vivek Vihar, Jaipur, when the Janmashtami celebrations began in nearby temples after midnight.
DCP (East) Gyan Chandra Yadav explained in an interview with TOI, «In a moment of confusion, he (Vetle) mistook the festive firecrackers for a potentially dangerous gunfire incident, and the chants of devotees for distress screams and cries for help. He came out of his room, and after pacing about for a few minutes, he leaped out of the balcony's window.»
Around 12.30 am on Friday, police officials stationed at the Hare Krishna Temple in Jagatpura received radio reports that Jawahar Circle Police Station staff was responding to a foreign national found lying on the street outside a hotel.
The police, concerned about the G20 event in progress, quickly rushed to the scene. An official mentioned, «The confusion escalated when some locals reported that the tourist was screaming incoherent words such as 'fire' and 'help.'» Vetle was then taken to Jaipuria Hospital for treatment, including a fractured hand, but his condition is stable, according to Yadav.
After a thorough examination of the scene and a review of CCTV footage, the police found no evidence of gunfire.
They have also informed the Norway embassy about the situation. Noe Finn Vetle had been in India for approximately three months to attend yoga sessions and is a resident of Namsos, Norway.
(With inputs from TOI)
