The Story...

Dedication to duty and upholding the rule of law is the central credo of every citizen. Yet as we well know the rule is observed more in the breach than in actuality. Thus it is a matter of great fanfare when someone belonging to the Government Service actually upholds the credo and lives by it. Alas, that has not been the case in case of Sheikh Mohammad Allauddin, the courageous police inspector from Patna who, acting on a tip off, had entered into an encounter at Patliputra Colony, during November 2001. Leading a team of 5 policemen, he jumped into the fray only to find himself deserted by his colleagues at the scene of the action. Allauddin took the decision to face the criminals alone and in turn faced grievous injuries with five bullets entering his abdomen and 4 bullets piercing his left leg. But before he fell, he managed to kill both the kidnappers on the spot. Despite the good media attention, Allauddin has yet to receive any institutional help towards his medical bills to the tune of Rs 4 lakhs incurred at AIIMS. The bullet injuries were so serious that they have made him a disabled man who is confined to the wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Allauddin has his job and in fact was recently awarded the President's Gold Medal for his dedication to duty. But his salary just enough to lead daily life, the honour does nothing to solve the problem of paying his medical bills and enabling him to take care of his family.

Taking note of the media reports, the Bihari group, an internet based group of Bihari professionals spread across the globe decided to express solidarity for Mr. Allauddin by extending appreciation and help. Bihari group, in association with Prayaas, a Bangalore based NGO founded by professionals hailing from Bihar, has raised around Rs. 38,000/- from voluntary contributions from its members. It organised a small function on September 11, 2004 at Hotel Kautilya Vihar, Patna to honour Alauddin, express solidarity, highlight his act of bravery and offer him this humble amount as a token of appreciation for his courage and sense of duty.

Shri Abhayanand, an IPS officer who has done immense service to the society by coaching poor students from rural background for IIT by his own resources and with tremendous success kindly consented to do the honours to Alauddin.

The programme on 11th was a huge success. It was marked by the presence of about 40-45 persons including media representatives from Hindustan Times, TOI, Dainik Jagaran, PTI, Telegraph, NDTV, ETV Bihar, functioneries of CPSL, some concerned citizens, some students from L.N.Mishra Instt. and Mr. Abhayanad and his wife. Anubha Prasad, the local coordinator of Biharigroup deliberated upon the aims, objectives and activities of group and the brave deed of Allauddin. Mr. Abhayanand, while speaking, said that he was honoured to have got an opportunity to honor somebody like Allauddin. He talked about giving back to the society and encouraged the gathering a lot. Mr. Allauddin expressed his immense happiness and gratitude. More than the money, he was touched by the manner in which he was falicitated. While speaking, he said that his aim in life was to fight crime and criminals - “Lekin main raste mein hi rah gaya”. There are many organisations in Bihar. Everyday they keep on honouring people - “Kabhi kisiko talwar bhent karte hain, kabhi kisiko dhal bhent karte hain. Lekin mere liye aaj tak kisine kuchh nahin kiya. Aur ye door baithe hue Bihar ke log mere liye itna kar rahen hain”. Incidentally, no body had honoured him in Public the way we did, neither any monitory help has come from any quarters. Allauddin could not hide his emotions when he said that Mr. Abhayanand has been his hero right since his college days, when he was studying at Bettiah and he was the S.P. there. He continued 'Aaj unse samman lena aur unke bagal mein baithna mujhe sapne jaisa lag raha hai”. ETV Bihar took his interview. They have already telecast the coverage twice and they are now doing a story on him, which will be telecast soon. Times of India, Hindustan Tmes and Dainik Jagran have given coverage. On our query, Abhayanand also told about his endeavour of coaching poor students for IIT 43 students have qualified for IIT in just two batches. Most of them come from rural areas and are sons of marginal farmers, landless labourers etc. He takes care of everything right from the start i.e. screening (board, lodge, books, material etc.), and even manages educational loans for them.

Everybody was all praise for Biharigroup. Allauddin has been receiving a lot of inquiries about the group. The media persons have also evinced lot of interest.

We, the team at Patna, are thankful to all of you who made all this possible.