Coimbatore: A Tamil Nadu Police head constable reportedly clung to the roof of a speeding car for nearly 40 kilometres while pursuing three alleged gutka smugglers, in a dramatic incident that has drawn widespread attention on social media.
Head constable Velmurugan, attached to Kovilpalayam Police Station, was conducting vehicle checks along with sub-inspector Vignesh when the incident occurred. Police had reportedly intercepted a car suspected of carrying a large quantity of prohibited tobacco products.
According to the report, the vehicle was allegedly transporting around 300 kg of gutka and other tobacco products from Bengaluru towards Coimbatore. The occupants allegedly attempted to escape after police intercepted the car.
Police check turns into a dramatic chase
Velmurugan and Vignesh were reportedly checking the vehicle when the situation suddenly escalated. While the sub-inspector was examining the goods kept inside the car, the occupants allegedly pushed him aside, locked the vehicle’s doors and accelerated away.
Velmurugan reacted immediately and reportedly jumped onto the roof of the moving car. He held on to the vehicle as it sped away, attempting to prevent the suspects from escaping.
The head constable reportedly remained on the roof despite the vehicle travelling at high speed. The incident was captured on video, which subsequently circulated widely on social media.
The pursuit continued as police teams from different stations were alerted.
Police teams join the pursuit
Following information about the fleeing vehicle, personnel from Karumathampatti Police Station reportedly joined the chase. An ambulance also followed the vehicle during the pursuit.
The suspects initially managed to evade the police near Karumathampatti. Police then alerted personnel at Avinashi Police Station, who joined the operation and began pursuing the vehicle.
The chase reportedly continued for nearly 40 kilometres before the car was intercepted near Annapoorna Hotel in Avinashi.
Police and ambulance vehicles reportedly surrounded the car to prevent the occupants from escaping again. The suspects initially managed to flee from the location, but police later tracked them down and arrested all three, according to the report.
Three Rajasthan natives arrested
Police reportedly arrested three men in connection with the incident. All three are said to be natives of Rajasthan.
Around 300 kg of prohibited gutka and other tobacco products were reportedly seized from the vehicle.
According to the police account cited in the report, the suspects were allegedly transporting the tobacco products illegally from Bengaluru to Coimbatore.
The arrests and seizure are part of the police investigation, while the allegations against the accused will be subject to the legal process.
Video of pursuit goes viral
The dramatic footage of Velmurugan holding on to the speeding vehicle has attracted considerable attention online.
Social media users have praised the head constable for his actions, with some calling on the Tamil Nadu Police Department to recognise his role and consider him for a promotion. These reactions are opinions expressed by social media users and do not represent an official decision by the police department.
The incident has also highlighted the risks faced by police personnel during vehicle interceptions and pursuits involving suspected smugglers.
Investigation continues
The case centres on the alleged illegal transportation of gutka and other prohibited tobacco products. Police have reportedly seized the material and arrested the three suspects.
The dramatic manner in which the pursuit unfolded has brought additional public attention to the case. However, the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
The incident also underlines the challenges police teams can face when suspects attempt to flee during vehicle checks. Further details about the investigation, including the exact quantity and nature of the seized tobacco products and the charges against the accused, would depend on the findings of the authorities.