Hailakandi: Following communal clashes that took place in Hailakandi, Assam, two days ago, a Muslim auto rickshaw driver decided to defy curfew and escort a pregnant Hindu woman to the hospital in the nick of time.

While this incident occurred on Sunday, district officials learnt about it on Wednesday and visited the home of the new parents.

In Rajyeswarpur village, Rubon Das was worried sick as he was unable to find an ambulance for his pregnant wife Nandita, who was in labour, so that he could take her to SK Roy Civil Hospital, which was 7 km away.

Rubon's friend and neighbour Maqbook Hussain Laskar came forward to help with his auto rickshaw. Unmindful of the risk involved, Laskar rode the auto with Rubon and Nandita. According to reports, Laskar started the auto at 5 pm and reached the hospital in 20 minutes.

Nandita gave birth to a baby boy 10 minutes later. Rubon couldn't thank Laskar enough.

The couple decided to name the child Shanti, symbolising the 'peace' that the strife-torn Hailakandi has been longing for.

Hospital authorities appreciated Laskar's efforts, while everyone celebrated the Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.

The communal violence on May 10 injured 15 and killed one person in police firing.

Reports say that the curfew has been relaxed from 7am until midnight. However, night curfew stands for a few days. Internet services are also in place since Tuesday.