Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar on Tuesday felicitated an autorickshaw driver for his bravery in intercepting a chain snatcher with a criminal record in Begum Bazar on March 4.
Mohammed Zaher (45) was honoured at the commissioner's chamber at the Telangana Integrated Command Control Centre (TGICCC) in Banjara Hills, where he received a certificate of appreciation and a cash reward.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police, the incident occurred early on March 4 when the victim, Manju Omlata, was out on a morning walk with her daughter-in-law near Hindi Marwadi Vidyalaya School in Begum Bazar. The accused, Mohammed Sohail from Dabeerpura, tried to snatch her gold chain. During the struggle, he lost his balance and fell from his scooter.
Zaher's Quick Action
Police said Zaher had already driven about 100 metres past the spot when he noticed the commotion in his side-view mirror after hearing the victim's screams. He immediately took a U-turn and rammed the accused's two-wheeler from the front to block his escape. Even after Sohail attacked him with a stick, Zaher restrained him until a police patrol team arrived and took Sohail into custody.
Modesty and Recognition
After the incident, Zaher left the scene without seeking any credit or reward. Although the victim informed the police about his bravery, it took almost two months for them to trace him through the analysis of CCTV footage from multiple locations. Commissioner Sajjanar praised Zaher's courage, calling him a role model.
Criminal Background of the Accused
Goshamahal police registered a criminal case against Sohail and arrested him in April. He is involved in 16 criminal cases in the city and is currently in judicial remand.
