Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 28: In a dramatic chase straight out of a thriller, a Tamil Nadu police head constable reportedly clung to the roof of a speeding car for nearly 40 kilometres to stop alleged gutka smugglers from escaping.
Head constable Velmurugan, attached to the Kovilpalayam police station, risked his life as he held on tightly to the moving vehicle while the suspects allegedly attempted to flee from Bengaluru towards Coimbatore.
A video of the daring pursuit has gone viral on social media, earning widespread praise for Velmurugan's courage and determination. Netizens have also urged the Tamil Nadu police department to reward the officer with a promotion.
‘Give him a promotion’, netizens demand
The dramatic incident took place in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, when Velmurugan and sub-inspector Vignesh were conducting vehicle checks.
The officers intercepted a car allegedly carrying around 300 kg of prohibited gutka. While Vignesh was checking the goods in the rear of the vehicle, the occupants allegedly pushed him aside, locked all the doors and suddenly sped away.
Velmurugan immediately sprang into action. Determined not to let the suspects escape, he jumped onto the roof of the car and held on with both hands as the vehicle accelerated.
Despite the high speed, the head constable refused to let go. He reportedly remained clinging to the car as it raced along the road, in a desperate bid to ensure that the suspects could not get away.
The dramatic pursuit eventually turned into a coordinated police operation.
After receiving information about the incident, Karumathampatti police joined the chase, with an ambulance also following the vehicle. The suspects initially managed to evade the police near Karumathampatti, prompting officers to alert the Avinashi Police Station.
Police personnel in Avinashi then joined the pursuit and began chasing the vehicle. After travelling for nearly 40 kilometres, the car was finally intercepted near Annapoorna Hotel in Avinashi.
Police and ambulance vehicles reportedly surrounded the car to prevent the suspects from making another escape.
Three suspects arrested
The suspects initially managed to flee from the spot. However, police subsequently succeeded in tracking them down and arresting all three.
According to the report, all three accused are natives of Rajasthan. Police seized around 300 kg of prohibited gutka and other tobacco products from the vehicle.
The gang was allegedly attempting to illegally transport the banned tobacco products from Bengaluru to Coimbatore.
Praise pours in for brave cop
The dramatic video of the chase has since gone viral on social media, with netizens showering praise on Velmurugan for risking his life to apprehend the suspects.
Several users have called on the Tamil Nadu police department to reward the head constable with a promotion.
“He should be given a promotion. He has set an example and can be an inspiration to others. If the police force has officers like him, citizens need not be afraid. People like him deserve a suitable promotion,” netizens reportedly said.
Velmurugan's daring act has consequently drawn widespread attention, with his determination to hold on to the speeding vehicle being hailed as a striking example of the risks police personnel can take while pursuing suspects and preventing illegal activities.