Fakhruddin, a 48‑year‑old autorickshaw driver, leapt into the murky waters of Upper Tank Bund after the child’s cry pierced the afternoon air. K Balakrishna, a private employee from Moti Nagar, shouted for help, and Mohammed Afsar, a local businessman, pulled the tiny girl onto the shore.
The mother, identified as a Bowenpally resident, reportedly fled after pushing the six‑year‑old, citing the child’s prolonged illness and mounting medical bills.
Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar presented the trio with shawls and cash rewards at the Basheerbagh Commissionerate, praising their presence of mind.
Domalguda Police has filed an attempt‑to‑murder charge against the mother; the child is now under medical care at Gandhi Hospital.
Neighbors described the rescue as a textbook example of civic duty, urging others to act before recording videos.