Arun Kumar, a dedicated traffic constable in Bengaluru, went the extra mile to return a lost laptop to an IT professional.
Published Sep 28, 2024 | 1:07 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 28, 2024 | 1:07 AM
Bengaluru traffic cop returns IT professional's laptop
On Wednesday, 25 September, Shashidhar Gowda, a senior IT professional and resident of Gayathri Nagar in Bengaluru faced an unexpected ordeal on his commute home from HSR Layout.
Exhausted after a long day, Gowda, the Head of Programme Management at Acceldata, drifted off to sleep in an auto-rickshaw.
When he neared his home, he discovered that his laptop bag, which contained vital work materials, personal belongings, and medical reports, had fallen off during the journey. Upon realising the loss, Shashidhar retraced his route with the auto driver, but their efforts proved futile.
Left with no other options, he filed an e-lost complaint, preparing to report the incident formally to fulfil his company’s insurance requirements.
Around 10 pm, the situation took a hopeful turn. There was a knock at Shashidhar’s door. To his surprise, it was Arun Kumar, a traffic constable stationed near the Malleshwaram traffic signal.
Arun Kumar noticed the black bag on the roadside during his shift and concerned it could be something important, investigated further. Finding documents belonging to Shashidhar including medical reports and an Aadhar card with his address, Kumar wasted no time. Despite being off work by that time, he travelled three kilometres to Shashidhar’s house to personally deliver the bag.
Reflecting on the incident, Shashidhar told South First that he felt enormously grateful. “I was shocked when constable Kumar showed up at my doorstep. After all the stress of losing my laptop and other important items, having it returned so quickly was a miracle. I’d already informed my office, and they had asked me to file an FIR, which was proving difficult.”
Shashidhar noted, “Kumar’s action wasn’t just performance of his duty — it was an act of kindness. It was mere luck that he was the one to find the laptop. His gesture has restored my faith in the police system.”
29-year-old Arun Kumar from Hassan, who has served with the city traffic police only for a short while, said, “I was managing traffic near Krishna Mills, and found the bag on the road. Initially, I thought it was an old bag that may have been abandoned, but when I picked it up, I realised it was heavy and found the laptop. Seeing the ID cards and documents, I knew it belonged to someone who would be extremely worried.”
Arun Kumar said he knew perfectly well the importance of a laptop to an IT professional. His empathy for Shashidhar stemmed from personal experience: “My father was a patient too, and seeing those medical reports, I knew immediately how difficult things could get. I knew I had to return the bag as soon as possible.”
Asked what reward he might seek, Arun Kumar was modest. “I don’t need any reward. But every day, there’s some negative news about the police. If stories like these can help people trust us more, I’ll be happy. There’s still good in this profession, and I hope it inspires others to see that.”
Arun Kumar’s dedication and swift action not only saved Shashidhar from significant professional and personal setbacks but also showcased the good that exists within the police force.
For Shashidhar Gowda, what started as a stressful ordeal ended with a heartwarming display of responsibility and compassion from a dedicated officer, reaffirming the value of service in protecting and assisting citizens.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
