Bengaluru cop wins hearts by prioritizing ambulance over presidential convoy
What's the story
As the convoy of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee approached the Trinity Circle in Bengaluru, traffic sub-inspector ML Nijalingappa spotted an ambulance making its way towards the junction from another road. In a few seconds, he had his priority decided. Contrary to the usual circumstances when VVIP convoys are given right of way, Nijalingappa quickly guided the ambulance out of heavy traffic.
Details
A 'split-second decision'
Nijalingappa, who was being assisted by constable Vishwanath Rao, was posted at Trinity Circle when the president's convoy was coming from the HAL airport. When it was about 150m away, they saw an ambulance approaching from Richmond Road. "We did not have a tough time taking the decision - we managed both the ambulance and the VVIP," Nijalingappa said.
Praise
The hero of the day
Nijalingappa was widely applauded on social media, including by the official handles of the DCP Traffic East, the IPS Association and IPS Praveen Sood. Rewards were announced for him. Some including @MBR_29 called it a "basic expectation", nothing extraordinary, but @SaratShanmukh clarified: "…in theory yes…but in the Indian context this is HUGE decision for a policeman to make. (sic)"
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Nijalingappa's gesture could have backfired for himself
Till date, there have been several reports of people dying while being forced to wait for VIP convoys. It is also common for 'VIPs' to demand special privileges and even assault people for doing their job. In these circumstances, what Nijalingappa did was praiseworthy indeed.