Let go of belongings, nothing important more than your life: Awardee’s advice to snatching victims
“If I get into police services, I will ensure that I don’t let any snatcher go scot-free. But, I will also appeal to the victims to let go of the belongings, and nothing is more important than your own life,” says Kusum, whose bravery made her famous everywhere when she put up a spirited fight against two bike-borne assailants, who tried to snatch her mobile phone in a Jalandhar street more than three years ago.
Kusum got national bravery award
- Three years ago, some snatchers on a bike tried to take away her mobile phone.
- Kusum (now 18), caught hold of one of the snatchers despite being attacked with a sharp-edged weapon on the arm.
- As she struggled with the biker for a few minutes, passersby joined in and thrashed the snatcher.
- Last year, she also got National Bravery Award on Republic Day.
Two days ago, a Class XII student was dragged along the road for nearly 350 metres by snatchers on a bike, who took away her mobile phone, leaving her injured and traumatised. This has brought back the memories of an old incident.
Showing exemplary courage, Kusum, then 15, caught hold of one of them despite being attacked with a sharp-edged weapon on the arm. As she struggled with the biker for a few minutes, passersby joined in and thrashed the snatcher.
Last year, she also received National Bravery Award on Republic Day. Kusum, who now is in Class XII, said she had realised that even after these years, there was no improvement. “Snatching cases are still on rise,” she said.
Kusum believes that due to her arm treatment, her height stopped. “I am just 4’11. I really want to join police force, but I don’t think with this height, I’ll get into the services,” Kusum further added.
Kusum says she still develops swelling on her arm and it pains whenever she holds anything with her left arm. “Even after three years, the pain is there. So, I will urge everyone to ensure your safety first. And, the girls must carry chilly pepper spray with them,” she said.
Her case was widely circulated on social media as well and shared on Twitter by celebrities namely Varun Grover and Richa Chadha, and cartoonist Satish among others.
