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

— Wilson Thomas (@wilson__thomas) September 27, 2026

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.