Mangaluru: U T Khader, minister for food and civil supplies and consumer affairs, known for aiding those in need,  helped a group of Sabarimala pilgrims whose car went up in flames while returning from pilgrimage near Bhagwan Mahaveer (Pumpwell) Circle, on Friday in Mangalore.

Natives of Kundagola in Dharwad, the Sabarimala pilgrims were visiting Dharmasthala on their way back from Sabarimala when their Indica car suddenly caught on fire while passing by the Pumpwell-Nantoor stretch in the city. Before they could realize what’s happening, the fire grew intense and started rapidly spreading. 

Luckily for them Minister UT Khader was passing through the same route and immediately rushed to lend a helping hand. Khader grabbed water bottles from his car in order to douse the flames and also used to mud to put out the fire. Till then the fire service personnel had also arrived to the spot.

Kader not only saved the passengers but made sure to save their luggage and the 'prasadam' from burning. He also made sure to give them dinner arrangements and money to return to Hubballi. He also arranged their return by KSRTC bus.

N S Kareem, Suresh, Rafiq, Joseph, Siraj Kinya, Jabbar and others were accompanying the minister.