Cop earns honeymoon trip for brave act

When a 31-year-old constable went after a robber in an exciting four-kilometre chase, it seemed like a scene straight out of the movies. And like in the movies, it was a happy ending too, with our hero, the constable, all set to pose with the heroine, his fiancee, at the scenic Munnar hills soon.

For the recently engaged constable Venkatesh K E, his brave act on Thursday not only earned him a reward of Rs 10,000, but also a three-night, four-day honeymoon package at Kerala's famous movie locale.

On Thursday, Venkatesh, attached to the Bellandur police station, gave a hot chase to four robbers on two scooters who were speeding away towards Koramangala after snatching a mobile phone of a KFC staffer Hanumath around 2.45 am.

Venkatesh heard the cries for help and without waiting for his partner, chased the robbers for four kilometres on his motorcycle. He caught up with them and knocked down one of the scooters.

Venkatesh pinned down the rider, identified as Arun Dayal (20), a resident of a slum in Koramangala. He later alerted the police patrolling in Koramangala and with their help, took Dayal to the station.

Appreciating his courage and presence of mind, Abdul Ahad DCP (Whitefield) rewarded him with cash. And after learning that he was recently engaged to be married on November 2, he even sponsored him the honeymoon trip.

Ahad said that Venkatesh's heroism inspires his colleagues to emulate him. He said the rewards were a token of appreciation. "After I spoke to him, I learned that he was recently engaged. Hence, I offered him a honeymoon trip apart from the cash reward. The idea of rewarding cops for bravery was adopted by DCP (West) who recently awarded a beat constable with a South India trip after he caught a thief," the officer said.

Venkatesh told DH that it was a great gesture by the department. "When we have such officers, it encourages us to go after criminals."