Chief Minister Joseph Vijay Felicitates Head Constable Velmurugan for Courageous Gutka Smuggling Interception

Head Constable M. Velmurugan of Kovilpalayam police station in Coimbatore was felicitated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday for his role in stopping a suspected gutka smuggling operation, an incident in which the officer placed his life at risk while trying to prevent the suspects from escaping.

Velmurugan was invited to the Secretariat, where the Chief Minister praised his courage, presence of mind and dedication to duty. Vijay also advised the head constable to take care of his safety while carrying out police responsibilities and presented him with a gift.

Director General of Police and Head of Police Force Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal was present at the felicitation.

A high-risk pursuit near Kovilpalayam

The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, when a police team led by Sub-Inspector V. Vignesh and Head Constable Velmurugan was conducting vehicle checks in the Vilankurichi area near Kovilpalayam.

At about 5.45 a.m., the team intercepted a Karnataka-registered SUV suspected of transporting banned gutka products. The situation quickly escalated when the occupants attempted to evade the police.

As the driver accelerated and the SUV sped away, Velmurugan climbed onto the roof of the moving vehicle. He held on to the roof rails as the SUV continued along Avinashi Road towards Avinashi, travelling for nearly 40 kilometres.

The pursuit also involved other police units and support vehicles, which coordinated efforts to stop the fleeing SUV.

Police intercept SUV near Avinashi

The chase eventually ended near Avinashi in Tiruppur district, where police succeeded in intercepting the vehicle.

Three men were arrested in connection with the suspected transportation of the banned tobacco products. They were identified as P. Babu Dhara, 27, A. Rajesh, 23, and S. Suresh, 20. All three are from Rajasthan.

Police seized the SUV along with a large quantity of banned gutka products. The seized contraband was reported to weigh 231 kg.

According to the police, the consignment was being transported from Bengaluru to Coimbatore.

The operation and Velmurugan's actions subsequently attracted widespread public attention, particularly after footage of the pursuit began circulating on social media.

Footage of the pursuit spreads online

Videos showing Velmurugan holding on to the roof of the speeding SUV were recorded by motorists as well as an ambulance crew operated by the National Highways Authority of India.

The footage spread widely across social media, drawing public praise for the officer's determination during the pursuit.

The incident also prompted recognition from ministers responsible for prohibition and other portfolios. They congratulated Velmurugan through video calls following the operation and assured him that his actions would be brought to the Chief Minister's attention.

The subsequent invitation to the Secretariat culminated in the formal felicitation by Vijay.

Velmurugan recalls the decision to pursue

After the incident, Velmurugan explained that the police team had received a tip-off and was carrying out vehicle checks when the suspected SUV was intercepted.

According to the head constable, the driver suddenly accelerated and attempted to escape. Faced with the possibility that the suspects could get away, Velmurugan climbed onto the vehicle.

He described his decision as part of his duty as a police officer.

The police department said that Velmurugan's decision to remain on the roof despite the danger helped prevent the suspects from escaping and contributed to the recovery of the contraband.

Official recognition for field policing

The Secretariat ceremony placed the focus on the risks faced by police personnel during field operations against the illegal tobacco trade.

By remaining on the moving SUV during the pursuit, Velmurugan helped police maintain pressure on the suspects until the vehicle could be intercepted near Avinashi. The operation resulted in the arrest of the three occupants and the seizure of the reported 231-kg gutka consignment and the vehicle.

Chief Minister Vijay's felicitation formally recognised the head constable's actions during the September 27 operation. The event was attended by the state's police chief, Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, and included a gift presented to Velmurugan.

The police department said the officer's actions demonstrated courage, presence of mind and commitment to duty, while the Chief Minister's advice also stressed the importance of remaining safe while performing police duties.