Smuggler Hits Head Constable, Drives with Officer on Car Bonnet in Dramatic Chase
In a shocking incident at the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, a man allegedly smuggling liquor and gutkha products from Bengaluru struck a head constable and drove his car for four kilometers with the officer clinging onto the bonnet before being apprehended. The event unfolded at the Jujuwadi checkpost near Hosur on Sunday evening, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement in curbing illegal activities.
Incident Details and Police Action
The arrested individual has been identified as Yarap Bhasha, a 34-year-old resident of Kalekunda, Karnataka. According to Hudco police inspector Syed Mubarak, a team from the Hudco police station was conducting routine vehicle checks when Bhasha failed to stop his car upon police signals. In a reckless move, the vehicle hit head constable Rajiv Gandhi, who then clung onto the bonnet as Bhasha sped away on the Bengaluru-Chennai National Highway.
Inspector Syed Mubarak stated, "The head constable clung onto the bonnet of the car. Bhasha drove the car for four km with the officer on the bonnet, endangering both lives and public safety." A chase ensued, led by Inspector Mubarak, with the car eventually intercepted with public assistance in the Hosur Dargah area. During the pursuit, Bhasha allegedly attempted to hit policemen again, but the car collided with a road parapet, resulting in a leg fracture for Head Constable Rajiv Gandhi.
Seizure and Legal Proceedings
Upon inspection, police discovered a significant haul of contraband in the vehicle. They found 390 kg of banned gutkha items valued at approximately Rs 2.20 lakh and 48 packets of Karnataka liquor in Tetra packs. Authorities seized the car along with the illicit goods, and a case has been registered against Bhasha. Following his arrest, he was remanded to judicial custody and is currently lodged in Salem Central Prison. Head Constable Rajiv Gandhi was admitted to Government Hospital in Hosur for treatment of his injuries.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigations
CCTV footage from the scene captures the dramatic moment of the head constable being carried on the car bonnet, providing crucial evidence for the case. Police have confirmed that further inquiries are ongoing to uncover any additional details or connections related to the smuggling operation. This incident underscores the persistent challenges in combating cross-border smuggling and the risks police personnel encounter in their duties.
