An Indian-origin man is being hailed as a hero for saving the life of his lady co-worker from an oncoming train.

34-year-old Anil Vannavalli, who is a data administrator, was waiting for a train to go to work on Friday morning, when he jumped on the railway track to save 26-year-old Madhuri Recherla, who fell on the tracks at the Edison train station.

Anil Vannavalli came to the United States about 10 years ago. He kept his backpack on the platform and plunged onto the tracks with another commuter to rescue his co-worker from an oncoming train. But, unfortunately Vannavalli’s backpack was stolen during the incident.

According to police a thief stole his backpack containing his laptop that valued at around $700 and about $200 in cash, and his work identification card.

"How can they do this in this situation? I felt very bad," Vannavalli said.

Edison Police later awarded a cheque of $1000 to Vannavalli.

Recherla, said that she fainted because she did not drink or eat, as she was late for work. She was taken to a nearby hospital with a fractured knee and a broken ankle.

Vannavalli said that it was only a matter of time before he and other commuter could move her co-worker from the tracks, saving her from an oncoming train.

The Edison Township Police Department said that they are combing through camera to find the thief behind the deed.

"This theft, perpetrated in the midst of such a selfless good deed, seems so very disgusting and outrageous," Police chief Thomas Bryan said in a statement.

Vannavalli could not believe that anyone would rob him at that situation, as he was saving another person’s life.

"We know these things happen, but not in this moment. When someone is going to save a life, how can he think about stealing?" Vannavalli said.

"You should be ready to help anyone in any situation... It is humanity," he said.

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