When the long arm of the law saves

The men and women in khaki, across the country, are not usually known for their solicitude. But on Thursday, three policemen demonstrated a touching concern for a man lying unconscious on the road. This was even as passers-by ignored the man or crowded around without helping him.

Head constable L. Ramalingam, attached to Anna Salai police station, and youth brigade member T. K. Jeeva were passing by on a motorcycle through the jurisdiction coming under their ‘beat.’

Around 11.30 a.m., they saw a man, clad in a lungi, lying unconscious outside the Government Royapettah Hospital, surrounded by a group of people.

“They were just staring at him without even attempting to take him to the hospital. We sent them off and tried to bring him around,” Mr. Ramalingam said. When the man did not open his eyes, the two policemen splashed water on him. “He then slowly opened his eyes. I called my colleague T. Keeran and asked him to bring some food and energy drinks. As he could not use his hands, we fed him,” he said.

The policemen then admitted him to the hospital. “But he was not able to give his name. He spoke a few words in Telugu and kept saying ‘siva siva ’. We are trying to find out where he is from,” said Mr. Ramalingam.

In the afternoon, when Mr. Ramalingam went to the hospital, the victim’s eyes swelled with tears. “I did not understand what he was trying to convey. I would be happy if civilians try to help people in need, instead of assembling around them and waiting for someone else to help. Tomorrow, they may also become victims,” he added.