Story perspectives

Police seize 170–250 kg gutkha after SUV chase

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:10 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Constable M. Velmurugan clung to the roof of a speeding SUV for about 40 km.
Police began the chase at 5:45 a.m. near Vilankurichi after attempting to stop the SUV.
Officers seized between 170 kg and over 250 kg of gutkha and other tobacco products.
Three Rajasthan men—Babu Dhara (27), Rajesh (23) and Suresh (20)—were arrested.
Police blocked the SUV near Karumathampatti.

History

Historical Context

India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, assented on 18 May 2003 and enforced from 1 May 2004, gave police the power to seize illegal tobacco and levy fines up to Rs 5,000. After the 2008 nationwide smoke-free law broadened restrictions, Tamil Nadu officers repeatedly intercepted gutkha shipments, culminating in Constable M. Velmurugan’s 2024 chase of a Rajasthan-linked SUV carrying over 170 kg of the product.

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Story summary

Constable M. Velmurugan clung to the roof of a speeding SUV for about 40 km.
Police began the chase at 5:45 a.m. near Vilankurichi after attempting to stop the SUV.
Officers seized between 170 kg and over 250 kg of gutkha and other tobacco products.
Three Rajasthan men—Babu Dhara (27), Rajesh (23) and Suresh (20)—were arrested.
Police blocked the SUV near Karumathampatti.

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