DU Blind student Shakir Hussain catches snatcher despite being punched repeatedly

New Delhi: A 26-year-old blind student of Delhi University (DU) caught a bike-borne snatcher near GTB Metro station in north Delhi on Friday night though he was repeatedly punched in the face.

Shakir Hussain, who is enrolled in M.Phil (History) was going to an ATM booth from DU’s Mansarowar Hostel. Three bike-borne snatchers snatched his Moto G Plus mobile phone which he purchased only a month ago.

Shakir, overpowered the snatchers, grabbed the pillion rider by his shoulder and threw the bike off balance and fought with him for few minutes. After the snatcher tried to escape, he chased him for around 200m before getting hold of him again with the help of locals. He was not able to a stop the other two snatchers fleeing with his phone.

Police arrested one of the gang members who is identified as Vijay Gupta, 22. Hussain’s valiant efforts helped the Delhi Police bust a gang of bike-borne snatchers that was involved in similar crimes in the locality. His courage has impressed senior police officers and theory have planned to honour and reward him at a public meeting.

Hussain said. “Three men on a bike approached me. They said they were acquaintances. Suddenly, they snatched my phone. Since my earphones were attached to it, I could stop them from fleeing with my phone.” 

He added. “When they tried to snatch my phone, it took me a while to understand what was happening. The snatcher I  overpowered hit me repeatedly on my nose, shoulder and head. But I did not lose my grip.”

A youth reached there and called the police control room. “The police wouldn’t have believed me if I hadn’t caught the snatcher,” said Hussain, who was treated at a nearby hospital before he returned to the hostel.
“We registered a case and arrested Gupta. Efforts are on to nab his absconding accomplices, Manoj and Ravi. I am recommending a suitable reward for Hussain for his heroism.” Said Vijay Singh, DCP (northwest).