In a dramatic operation, Kovilpalayam police in Tamil Nadu arrested three suspected tobacco smugglers after a nearly 40-kilometre chase on Sunday morning. Police also seized around 300 kg of gutkha and other banned tobacco products from the car, India Today quoted officials.
The incident started when a team of police personnel was conducting a vehicle check in the Vilankurichi area near Coimbatore. The police team identified a car with a Karnataka number plate which was carrying a few sacks in its back.
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A police team immediately began chasing the vehicle as it headed towards Avinashi. The suspects reportedly continued driving despite the police pursuit, leading to a prolonged chase that ended on Avinashi Road.
A video of the incident has gone viral on social media platforms. In the video, the policeman is seen lying on the roof of the moving car and holding on as the vehicle continues speeding along the road.
The officer remained on the roof for some kilometres as police tried to stop the suspects from fleeing and to bring the car under control.
After about 40 kilometres, police managed to corner and halt the car on Avinashi Road. Police then got hold of the suspects, overpowered them and took them into custody.
The accused have been identified as Babu Dhara, 27, Rajesh, 23 and Suresh, 20. Police said all three were from Rajasthan.
As per police officials, during questioning, the accused informed them that they were transporting the tobacco from Bengaluru to Coimbatore for delivery. Police seized nearly 300 kg of gutkha and other banned tobacco products from the vehicle.
Authorities are still looking into where the consignment was meant to go and whether there were other people involved in the supposed smuggling operation.