Chennai: Chief Minister Joseph Vijay invited Head Constable Velmurugan to the Secretariat and felicitated him for his extraordinary courage in thwarting a major gutkha smuggling attempt in Coimbatore, risking his own life in the process. The Chief Minister commended Velmurugan’s selfless devotion to duty and presented him with a memento and certificate of appreciation.
The incident unfolded during a routine vehicle check on the outskirts of Coimbatore when a police team intercepted a suspicious car carrying banned tobacco products. As officers moved to inspect the cargo, the smugglers attempted a desperate high-speed escape. Acting instantly, Head Constable Velmurugan leaped onto the roof of the fleeing vehicle and held on as it sped away.
The smugglers drove dangerously for nearly 40 kilometers with the officer clinging to the roof. Alerted police units and emergency services coordinated a pursuit, eventually surrounding the car and rescuing Velmurugan while arresting the occupants. Authorities seized approximately 300 kilograms of contraband gutkha from the vehicle.
Chief Minister Joseph Vijay praised Velmurugan’s fearless commitment to law enforcement and public safety, calling his heroic act an inspiration to the entire force.
