Hyderabad auto driver risks life, rams into thief's bike to stop chain snatching

An auto driver in Hyderabad rammed his vehicle into an alleged chain-snatcher's scooter and helped stop his escape. CCTV footage of the Begum Bazaar incident has gone viral, and the driver was later honoured by police.

In Short

• The alleged snatching bid took place near Jinsi Chouraha in Begum Bazaar
• Victim Manju Omlata was walking with her daughter-in-law when targeted
• The suspect fell after losing control, drawing Zaher's attention instantly

An auto driver in Hyderabad risked his life to stop an alleged chain-snatcher, ramming his vehicle into the accused’s scooter in a dramatic act of bravery that was caught on CCTV.

The incident took place on March 4 in the busy Begum Bazaar area, near Jinsi Chouraha, under the jurisdiction of the Goshamahal Police Station. According to reports, the accused, identified as Mohammed Sohel from Dabeerpura, allegedly attempted to snatch a gold chain from a woman, Manju Omlata, who was out on a morning walk with her daughter-in-law near a local school.

As per the sequence captured on CCTV, the accused tried to flee after targeting the victim but lost control of his scooter and fell onto the road. It was at this moment that Mohammed Zaher, an auto driver who had already passed the spot, noticed the commotion through his side-view mirror.

Watch the video here:

What followed was a split-second decision that has been widely praised. Zaher quickly turned his auto around and began chasing the suspect. In a bold move, he rammed his auto into the accused’s scooter, knocking him down and preventing his escape.

Despite the danger, the situation escalated further when the accused allegedly attacked Zaher with a stick. Undeterred, the driver stood his ground and continued to restrain him until patrolling police personnel arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody.

In a detail that has struck many online, Zaher reportedly left the spot quietly after the incident, without waiting for recognition or reward. It was only later, using CCTV footage and the vehicle’s registration number, that police were able to trace and identify him.

The act of courage did not go unnoticed for long. V. C. Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police, later felicitated Zaher at the TGICCC in Banjara Hills, presenting him with a cash reward and an appreciation certificate for his bravery.

Police officials also revealed that the accused is a known rowdy-sheeter with around 16 criminal cases registered against him across multiple police stations, adding weight to the seriousness of the incident.

The CCTV footage, now widely circulated on social media, has received praise for Zaher’s quick thinking and courage, with several calling his actions a rare example of a civilian stepping in decisively to prevent a crime, without regard for his own safety.

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