Daijworld News Network - Mangalore with inputs and pic from Yathiraj Jain

Mangalore, Apr 29: While it is so customary to see macho men on silver screen develop cold feet when it comes to facing tricky situations, a child artiste has shown the way to negotiate a panic situation with cool and courage. She not only stopped a prospective chain-snatcher from stealth but also helped his getting caught on the spot.

Ashwini Rai, daughter of Captain Sitaram Rai of Bajpe airport, is a student of a central school in Bajpe. She has already acted in the Tulu movie 'Koti Chennaya' recently and made a mark. She had recently gone to the Kateel temple in the vicinity with her mother and brothers on the occasion of the annual festivities there. Having acted only in a minor role though, she proved herself to be a 'heroine' at a difficult stage.

At a secluded place while on their way back home, a stranger approached them and sought information about the way by showing a piece of paper with address. As the attention was being drawn away, he tried to snatch a gold chain from from aroundAshwini's mother's neck.

Spotting the mischief, Ashwini immediately caught hold of a stick she could grab from nearby and started lashing the thief's feet with its help. That prevented the man from running away. Some passers-by, initially puzzled by this drama, suddenly realized the gravity of the situation.

Catching hold of him, they are said to have given his 'suitable' treatment before handing him over to the police. On interrogation, he reportedly told the police that he tried the theft to meet with the expenses of the impending marriage of his sister and that he hailed from Yedapadavu in this taluk.

There has been all-round praise for the presence of mind and quick reflexes displayed by the seventh-standard girl in a crisis situation.