Abu Dhabi Police turn hero at Indian actor’s film event
abu dhabi — Abu Dhabi Police turn saviour for a four-year-old expat girl who found herself in a helpless situation as over 50,000 fans turned up for an Indian film promotional event at a mall. The incident happened on April 5 when Indian actor Mammootty and team were at Al Wahda Mall for the Middle East’s official trailer launch of new film ‘Madhura Raja’.
Not many turned up when Jaza Fathima accompanied by her father Sidheeck Kottapurathvalappil and mother Finzia got inside the mall by 2pm. But as hours passed by numbers grew and by 6pm — time for ‘meet and greet’ with the actors — there were some 51,000 people.
Fan frenzy reached new level as Mammootty showed up by 7pm. Amid pushing and shoving, a tired Fathima turned fidgety but Kottapurathvalappil felt trapped in the front row. “We tried to get out but it was impossible as hundreds of people were behind us and pushing. I was helpless as everyone was focused on the actors. Suddenly, I saw two helping hands lift Fathima and her doll into the VIP cordon,” Kottapurathvalappil said. “The officer looked after Fathima like his own daughter. He was Godsend for me.”
Mohammed Saleh Hussain Al Khulaifi, member of ‘We Are All Police’, said he sensed Fathima was in a tight spot. “She looked exasperated and felt suffocated. I immediately took her out of the crowded area. If I was late, things could have got worse. I am a father and understood her situation. Her parents too were helpless. Luckily, Fathima was able to see her actors closely too,” Al Khulaifi said on his timely act. “This was just one-off case. The mall security and conduct inside the mall was top notch,” he said, adding that some 50 ‘We Are All Police’ members were at the event.
Meanwhile, Hazan Muhammed, an expat, captured the moments in his mobile phone. “I have read a lot about Abu Dhabi Police’s service. While I came to catch Mammootty, I couldn’t miss a real hero at work,” Hazan said.
Fadl Saleh Al Tamimi, branch manager of activity and programme at ‘We Are All Police’ Department, said they aim to build stronger relationships with every community. “The Abu Dhabi Police treat everyone as equals. There is no difference between locals and expats.”