It was around 4.30 p.m. on busy R.K. Salai, a couple of months ago, when a car came to a screeching halt after hitting the footpath.
Curious passers-by who peered into the car saw a youth unconscious behind the wheel, who did not respond to calls.
G. Lokesh, a traffic constable, who was on duty in the vicinity rushed to the spot and joined the crowd tapping the car’s windows. Since the engine was on, the doors could not be opened. A few minutes later, the youth responded by turning off the engine but swooned again.
When attempts to make him drink some juice and water failed, Lokesh realised the seriousness of the situation and signalled a few autorickshaws to stop. “Since it was peak hour the autorickshaws did not stop. I shifted the young man to the rear seat of the car and drove straight to a private hospital and explained the circumstances to doctors at the emergency ward. Though I was on traffic duty in the VIP area, there was nothing on my mind then, other than saving the life of the youth,” he said.
The victim, later identified as Amuthan Sundar, a business analyst from Anna Nagar, was diagnosed with a seizure and put in the intensive care unit. After his family came to the hospital, Mr. Lokesh handed over the car keys and left.
The incident ended there, with no one hearing about it, until Mr. Sundar, who recovered fully a few weeks later, wrote to commissioner of police S. George, thanking him and the constable.
“I am happy that the constable went an extra mile to save a youth in distress. A circular highlighting the good work of Lokesh is being sent to all police stations. We have given instructions to the police that every individual is entitled to courtesy and consideration,” Mr. George said.
