CM Vijay felicitates Coimbatore policeman who held onto gutkha smugglers’ SUV for over 40 km to prevent their escape
You don’t have any Active Subscription.
Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay appreciating head constable M. Velmurugan in the presence of Director General of Police and Head of Police Force Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal in Chennai on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday felicitated head constable M. Velmurugan from Coimbatore who hit the headlines for clinging onto the roof rails of an SUV for over 40 km to prevent three gutkha smugglers from escaping.
Mr. Vijay appreciated Mr. Velmurugan, who is attached to the Kovilpalayam police station, in the presence of Director General of Police and Head of Police Force Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal.
Headconstable Velmurugan of Kovilpalayam police station in #Coimbatore clung onto the roof rails of an SUV for about 40 km as three men from Rajasthan tried escape from the police with over 250 kg of gutkha. The video was shot by the crew of an NHAI ambulance. @THChennaipic.twitter.com/7pAt9m4ZVd
A release from Coimbatore District (Rural) Police said Mr. Velmurugan displayed exceptional courage and commitment to duty by risking his life in foiling a bid to smuggle gutkha by three men from Rajasthan early on Sunday, September 27. He climbed atop the SUV and remained on the roof for over 40 km, determined to prevent the accused from escaping.
Through coordinated police action, the SUV was intercepted near Avinashi in Tiruppur district. The police arrested three persons and seized 231 kg of gutkha.
The release stated that the Chief Minister personally called on Mr. Velmurugan and conveyed his appreciation, recognising his exceptional courage, presence of mind and dedication to duty.
Mr. Aggarwal also personally appreciated and congratulated Mr. Velmurugan for his exemplary courage and commitment to duty.
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
