Saleem chases Jama Masjid attackers, wins nation's praise

New Delhi, September 27: When Mohammad Saleem woke up in the morning on 19th September, he had no idea that in less than 4 hours, he will be at the center of entire nation's attention. He might be a rickshaw puller by profession but he did what entire security agencies together couldn't.

On 19th September, it was a normal busy Sunday at Gate No. 3 of the historic Jama Masjid where Saleem was plying his rickshaw. It must be around 11:30 am that few gun shots were heard. Before he could have understood what exactly was going on, Saleem saw two unidentified bikers shooting at a tourist bus hardly at a distance of 50 meters from him. Without thinking what will happen to his life, he picked up few stones and attempted to go after them. When one of the bikers saw Saleem doing this, he was about to fire on him but his magazine dropped and they fled from the spot immediately.

Saleem claims that he couldn't see their faces as he was behind them but one of the bikers was wearing green shirt. At the same time he says that they were not masked. He told the police about them.

Won laurels and awards:

AT present Saleem is a known face across the country for this act of bravery. This native of Patna, Bihar has won laurels and awards from every section of civil society. Several organizations and individuals have come forward to help him in getting his wife Shabana, a TB patient, treated free of cost. Zakat Foundation of India (ZFI) has given him 52 thousand rupees and promised a home in Okhla area of New Delhi. Besides getting Shabana treated free of cost, ZFI will also bear the financial burden of his children's education.

Ironically the agency which should have awarded him by now is happy to just announce an award of 25 thousand for him. Saleem hasn't yet received the amount from the Delhi Police.

Saleem has also been awarded jointly by All India Terrorist Front and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Help and Care. He has received a check of Rs 25 thousand from them.

His may not have changed much as he still pulls rickshaw but the idea of working for one's country is something that he takes pride in.

"I am happy that in spite of being a simple rickshaw puller I have been able to serve my country. It proves that you don't need to admit yourself into army in order to serve your country," he said.

source: TCN