Dedication to duty and upholding the rule of law is the central credo of every government servant. 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 actually upholds the credo and lives by it. Alas, that has not been the case in case of Sheikh Mohammad Allauddin, the courageous inspector from Patna whose case was highlighted by a report on Tehelka.com on February 7th this year. Taking note of the report, the Bihari group, an internet based group of Bihari professionals decided to express solidarity for Mr. Allauddin by extending appreciation and help. To get to the bottom of the event the representatives of Bihari group, an internet based group of Bihari professionals, went to meet him.

Allauddin with his son

 Allauddin narrated the battle that had unfolded exactly 3 years ago when he working as special task force team, was tipped about two henchmen of a famous don, Raju and Armaan, attempted to kidnap a prominent businessman of Patliputra Colony, Patna. The young inspector swung into the action immediately to the rescue of the hapless person. 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. But men of steel do not bend and Allauddin took the decision to face the criminals alone.

A battle ensued and the brave man was injured grievously with five bullets entering his abdomen and 4 bullets piercing his left leg. But before he fell, he managed to kill both kidnappers on the spot. A brave and exemplary deed in every way! Where else would you get an officer dedicated to his duty at the expense of his own life? Surely the officer deserved and should have received honours, felicitations and rewards!

However, that was not meant to be, despite of good media attention and initial spurring visit of several leading political personalities who used the occasion to show how caring they are in front of camera/press, the harsh reality is that Allauddin has been suffering in the hospital. 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 was in AIIMS for 6 months where he incurred medical bills to the tune of Rs 4 lakhs. No institutional help was offered to him and despite of tall promises of the politicians nothing ever came out of it. Obviously the killing of criminals was a grievous offence in the minds of the powers that be.

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. What is reprehensible is the silence of the media and all the so-called people' activists who are ever ready to raise a ruckus on any and every issue.

To enable Allauddin pay his medical bills and lead a normal life, the Bihari group, an internet based group of Bihari professionals (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bihari/ website: http://www.oocities.org/biharigroup/ ) is raising funds for this cause. The funds will be disbursed to Allauddin through Prayaas (http://www.prayaas.org/), a non governmental organization that has done exemplary work for rural development in Bihar and Karnataka. It is in this context that we appeal to you to contribute generously towards this cause.

Younger Allauddin and his medals

            Mr. Sadashivaiah T.R.
            Treasurer, Prayaas
            "Showbhagya Nilaya"
            #1674, 9th Main, 4th Cross, HAL 3rd Stage,
            New Thippasandra P.O
            Bangalore – 560075

For transfer (within India) using online banking or cheque/cash:

Please send us an email at Bihari-owner@yahoogroups.com and we will provide you the details for the same. For online transfer of fund you will need an account in any one of the banks of ICICI / CITIBANK / SBI.

For Money transfer from abroad:

In case you want to send the money through money transfer, please refer the Routing Number (Swift No.) along with Bank address and account details given below. Kindly inform Bihari-owner@yahoogroups.com by an email for your contribution.

If  you have any issue in selecting above options, you can pledge the contribution and send us your contact details at Bihari-owner@yahoogroups.com. We will get back to you and collect the contribution.

Prayaas will present a check to Mr. Allauddin tentatively by 1st July 2004. Prayaas may alternatively help in a value added living to Mr. Allauddin.

Note: Donors in India can get tax exemption under section 80G, the certificate of which will be dispatched by Prayaas. Please inform your name and address where Prayaas will send this certificate and the receipt of your contribution. Donors using online transaction can inform your address to Amitesh (at prayaas@dacafe.com).

please click here to view a copy of the article from tehelka.

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