A fruit trader and his son narrowly escaped tragedy after following their pet cat moments before their rain-damaged house roof caved in
Bagalkot: A remarkable survival story has emerged from Karnataka's Bagalkot district, where a father and son narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident after their pet cat unexpectedly led them out of their house moments before the roof collapsed during heavy rainfall.
The incident occurred in Vallabhbai Nagar, where persistent monsoon rains weakened a house belonging to a local fruit trader. While the family suffered significant property losses, the timely actions of their pet cat are being credited with saving two lives.
The extraordinary incident has attracted widespread attention across the district, with residents describing it as nothing short of miraculous.
Heavy Rain Triggers Roof Collapse in Bagalkot
The affected family belongs to fruit trader Shabbir Bhagwan and his son Arbaaz Bhagwan, residents of Vallabhbai Nagar near Vallabhbai Circle in Bagalkot.
According to family members, heavy rainfall throughout the day had weakened the roof of their home. As conditions worsened, small chunks of mud and debris began falling from the ceiling, indicating that the structure was becoming unstable.
Moments later, their pet cat suddenly ran outside the house.
What happened next would prove crucial in saving their lives.
“Just seconds after the father and son stepped outside, the entire roof of the house came crashing down.”
Pet Cat's Sudden Movement Saves Two Lives
According to the family, the cat had become restless and ran outdoors while debris was falling from the roof. Believing the animal was hungry, Shabbir followed it outside to bring it back and feed it.
His son Arbaaz also stepped out of the house behind him.
Within moments of both crossing the threshold and moving outside, the roof of the house collapsed completely.
The father and son escaped without injury, avoiding what could have been a devastating tragedy.
Arbaaz Credits Cat for Their Survival
Recalling the frightening incident, Arbaaz said the family owes its survival to the pet cat.
“Mud started falling from the roof and our cat ran outside. My father went after it to feed it, and I followed him. As soon as we came out, the roof collapsed. The cat saved our lives,” Arbaaz said.
The family's account has resonated widely on social media, where many have described the pet's behaviour as extraordinary.
Major Property Losses Despite Escape
Although the father and son escaped unharmed, the roof collapse caused extensive damage to the family's belongings.
According to the family, household utensils, food grains and a large stock of mangoes purchased for their fruit business were buried under the debris.
The traders estimate that goods worth several lakh rupees were destroyed in the incident, leaving them facing significant financial hardship.
Fortunately, other family members were away in Vijayapura attending a wedding ceremony at the time of the collapse, preventing further casualties.
Family Appeals for Government Assistance
Following the incident, Shabbir Bhagwan appealed to the district administration and state government for financial assistance and compensation.
The family stated that the destruction of their home and business stock has left them struggling to recover from the losses caused by the heavy rains.
Local residents have also urged authorities to assess the damage and provide relief to affected families as monsoon-related incidents continue to impact several parts of the district.
Monsoon Risks Highlighted by Incident
The Bagalkot incident underscores the dangers posed by heavy rainfall and weakened residential structures during the monsoon season.
Authorities have repeatedly advised residents living in older or vulnerable buildings to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall and report structural damage immediately.
While the family mourns the loss of their property, they remain grateful that a tragedy was avoided and that both father and son survived the collapse.
