India
oi-Swastika Sruti
A dramatic police chase in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district saw a head constable cling to the roof of a moving car as suspected tobacco smugglers allegedly tried to escape.
In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Head Constable Velmurugan clung to the roof of a moving car during a 40km chase of suspected tobacco smugglers carrying nearly 300 kg of banned products; police later arrested the three occupants.
The vehicle was reportedly carrying nearly 300 kg of gutkha and other banned tobacco products. The chase continued for around 40 kilometres before police finally managed to stop the car.
Police Stop Car During Routine Check
As per reports by the police, the event started after a group checking vehicles near Coimbatore stopped a vehicle. The group had observed some bags in the rear part of the vehicle. Upon an attempt by a Sub Inspector to check the contents, the trio attacked the police and drove off in the vehicle.
Head Constable Velmurugan reportedly clung to the roof of the car while it was moving at high speed.
It is claimed that the chase took place over several stretches outside Coimbatore.
Constable Velmurugan of #KovilpalayamPS in #CBE clung to the roof of a car carrying gutkha smugglers after his hand got caught as they fled while checking. He rode for about 30 km along the Kochi-Salem NH before police stopped the chase near Avinashi. @xpresstn @mannar_mannan pic.twitter.com/smaBCxna1x
— 𝐑𝐚.𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 (@kirubakaranR1) September 27, 2026
Chase Continues For Nearly 40 Kilometres
The accused smugglers were seen to continue driving even though the policeman was still sitting on the roof. The car further passed through the toll gate. It was claimed by the police that the driver used the FASTag facility to pay for the toll and drove through the gate.
Some motorists who saw the strange chase made videos of Velmurugan holding onto the running car. The video became viral on social media.
The police team from the adjoining district of Tiruppur was informed as the chase continued. Even the ambulance team joined in the operation.
Police Finally Intercept Car
After travelling for nearly 40 kilometres, the car was eventually surrounded by police vehicles and ambulances and brought to a halt.
One of the three occupants was taken into custody immediately, while the other two allegedly escaped from the spot. Police later launched a search operation and arrested them as well.
The vehicle was seized and the tobacco products recovered from it.
The accused were identified as Babu Dhara, 27, Rajesh, 23, and Suresh, 20.
Accused Allegedly Transporting Tobacco From Bengaluru
During questioning, the accused allegedly told police that they were transporting the gutkha and other tobacco products from Bengaluru to Coimbatore for delivery.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the source of the consignment and the intended recipients.
The authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted escape and the alleged assault on police personnel during the vehicle check.
Head Constable Velmurugan Praised For Courage
Head Constable Velmurugan has received praise for his actions during the chase after he remained on the roof of the moving vehicle despite the obvious danger.
Ambulance personnel and local volunteers who assisted the police operation have also been appreciated for their role in bringing the chase to an end and ensuring the policeman’s safety.
