Chennai, September 29, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay felicitated Head Constable M. Velmurugan of Kovilpalayam Police Station for his courageous action in stopping a vehicle allegedly carrying illegal gutka products in Coimbatore.
The incident took place on September 27, when a police team led by Sub-Inspector Vignesh and Head Constable Velmurugan attempted to stop an SUV near Vilankurchi, Kovilpalayam, following a tip-off about gutka smuggling. When the driver allegedly refused to stop and accelerated towards Avinashi, Velmurugan climbed onto the vehicle and held on to its roof rails as it travelled at high speed.
The chase continued for nearly 40 kilometres along Avinashi Road before the SUV was intercepted at Karumathampatti with the help of local police and highway patrol personnel. Velmurugan was rescued without injuries.
Police reportedly recovered more than 100 kg of gutka products from the vehicle and arrested three alleged smugglers — P. Babu Dhara, A. Rajesh and S. Suresh, all from Rajasthan. Police said the consignment was being transported from Karnataka to Coimbatore.
Following the incident, Tamil Nadu ministers K. Muthusamy and R. S. Rajakannappan spoke to Velmurugan over a video call and congratulated him. They said they would bring his actions to the Chief Minister’s attention.
During the felicitation, CM Joseph Vijay appreciated Velmurugan’s commitment to duty and his role in preventing the alleged illegal transportation of banned tobacco products. The dramatic incident and footage of the chase have since attracted widespread attention.
