In a rain-soaked rescue on Udupi–Manipal Road, auto driver Mohammed Shameer saved an elderly man suffering a heart attack, rushing him to safety in time
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Auto Driver Becomes Midnight Hero After Saving Elderly Man from Fatal Heart Attack on Udupi–Manipal Road
Udupi, June 11 – In an act of selfless courage and humanity that has captured hearts across coastal Karnataka, a local auto-rickshaw driver risked time, weather, and uncertainty to save the life of an elderly man who collapsed from chest pain on a rain-slicked road in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The heart-stopping rescue occurred near Laxmindranagara, along the Udupi–Manipal highway—a stretch usually quiet at that hour. What began as a routine drive for auto driver Mohammed Shameer turned into a lifesaving mission as he spotted an elderly man unconscious on the roadside, his car rammed against an electric pole nearby.
Udupi Auto Driver’s Heroic Act Saves Elderly Man’s Life Amid Midnight Emergency
The Silent Struggle on a Stormy Road
The elderly man, whose identity has not been officially released but is said to belong to a prominent Udupi family, had reportedly begun experiencing intense chest pain around 5:00 AM. Choosing to drive himself to the hospital due to his solitary living situation, the man’s condition deteriorated quickly. As he neared Laxmindranagara, he lost control of his vehicle, which swerved off the road and collided with a utility pole.
Though disoriented, he managed to get out of the vehicle, but collapsed moments later—alone, under heavy rainfall, and with no immediate help in sight.
Enter the Unexpected Rescuer: Mohammed Shameer
Mohammed Shameer, a daily-wage auto driver known for his early-morning airport pickups and student runs to Manipal University, was en route when the glint of a crashed car caught his eye. Initially dismissing the scene as possibly involving a drunk or sleeping individual, he slowed down as he approached.
“I saw a man lying by the road, his shirt soaked, the rain pelting down. I thought, what if it were my father in his place? So I stopped,” Shameer recalled in a conversation with Daijiworld.
Realizing the man was in visible distress, Shameer quickly lifted him into the back of his auto and rushed toward Manipal Hospital, one of the region’s most well-equipped emergency centers. En route, the man faintly mumbled his brother’s phone number. Shameer called immediately, notifying the family and ensuring they reached the hospital in parallel.
Doctors Confirm Life-Saving Timing
Hospital sources confirmed to local media that the man had suffered a cardiac episode and was admitted to the emergency ward with dangerously low vitals.
“One more minute of delay, and the outcome could’ve been different,” said a senior physician on duty. “The driver’s swift decision-making saved this patient’s life. This is a textbook case of why emergency response time matters.”
Doctors performed a stabilizing intervention, and the man is now recovering under medical supervision. Family members have expressed deep gratitude for Shameer’s timely heroism.
Beyond the Call of Duty
What’s remarkable is not just Shameer’s act—but the risks he faced in doing so. The area is known for petty crimes, and the elderly man was reportedly wearing visible gold ornaments. Additionally, the vehicle, with windows down, was at risk of being looted. Shameer ignored all potential doubts or suspicions and focused solely on getting the man to care.
“I don’t know his name, I didn’t think of asking. I just knew someone was in danger,” said Shameer, adding that he didn’t charge the family for the ride. “Helping someone in need is reward enough.”
Community Reaction: A Rare Act in Troubling Times
In a time when viral videos of bystanders recording accidents instead of helping have become sadly common, Shameer’s act has drawn rare praise. Social media users have hailed him as “Udupi’s Real Hero,” and several local NGOs are reportedly planning to recognize his action formally.
Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya expressed her appreciation in a public post:
“Udupi is proud to have citizens like Mohammed Shameer. His act shows that humanity still thrives in our streets. We will ensure his courage is recognized.”
Udupi’s Unsung Heroes: A Pattern Emerging?
This is not the first time an auto driver in Udupi has gone above and beyond. In recent years, the district has seen multiple cases of auto-rickshaw drivers stepping in during crises—from helping pregnant women to transporting patients when ambulances weren’t available.
Local transport unions are pushing for the creation of an Emergency Volunteer Registry, with drivers like Shameer at the forefront, trained and ready to assist in emergencies.
A Hero’s Humble Endnote
Despite the outpouring of praise, Shameer remains grounded. “I didn’t do anything special. Anyone else in my place should do the same. If we don’t look out for each other, who will?”
His voice echoes not just across Udupi’s streets but into the conscience of a society increasingly fractured by indifference.
Conclusion: Humanity Over Hesitation
On a rainy June morning, one man’s instinctive empathy and prompt action averted a tragedy. In doing so, he not only saved a life but rekindled belief in everyday heroism. Mohammed Shameer’s story is a timely reminder that real change doesn’t always come from policies or institutions—it often arrives in the form of a three-wheeled auto and a heart willing to help.
