A retired Army jawan was honoured by the Hyderabad city police for helping arrest a repeat offender who attempted a chain snatching within the Amberpet police station limits earlier this week.

The accused has been identified as Abdul Mannan, an auto driver from Mallepally with a history of offences. The complainant, retired Army jawan Cheerla Ramudu, caught the accused while he was getting off a bus at the Amberpet bus stop on Tuesday, April 14. When the accused attempted to snatch his gold chain, Ramudu resisted and held him until police arrived after he alerted Dial 100.

Police said Abdul Mannan has 31 previous cases registered against him across Telangana. He also has a suspect sheet at Habeebnagar police station and is listed as most wanted in another case registered at Mangalhat police station. He has been arrested and remanded, while his associates, Kotesh and Mallesh, are absconding.

City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar commended Ramudu’s actions at a programme held at the Old Commissionerate Office in Basheerbagh on Thursday, April 16. He honoured him with a shawl and presented a cash reward.

The Commissioner also appreciated Amberpet SI Suresh and constables Dinesh Reddy and Bharat Kumar for their response, presenting them with appreciation certificates. Speaking on the occasion, Sajjanar said the act reflected courage and presence of mind, and called on citizens to actively assist in preventing crime.