Gujarat Cop Dies in Road Crash While Attempting to Apprehend Illegal Liquor Smugglers

A police sub-inspector was fatally injured while attempting to intercept a suspected liquor-smuggling vehicle on the Dasada-Patdi road in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district early Tuesday. The tragic incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m., leaving the law enforcement community and the local population grieving the loss of a dedicated officer.

Background of the Incident

According to the initial police report, Sub-Inspector J.M. Pathan, a member of the Gujarat Police State Monitoring Cell (SMC), was acting on a tip-off that an SUV carrying illegal liquor was expected to pass through the region. Pathan, along with his team, established a roadblock to intercept the vehicle and uphold Gujarat’s strict prohibition laws.

As the SUV approached, Pathan attempted to stop it, but the vehicle’s high beams reportedly blinded him, leading to a deadly collision. His police vehicle crashed into the rear of a trailer truck traveling alongside the suspected SUV, leaving him with serious head injuries.

Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Efforts

Following the accident, Pathan was rushed to a local Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Dasada for initial treatment before being transferred to a government hospital in Viramgram. Medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize him, but his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A Law Enforcement Hero Remembered

State officials, including Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, have publicly acknowledged Pathan’s bravery. Sanghavi posted a heartfelt message on social media, paying tribute to the late officer. “PSI J.M. Pathan was a dedicated officer committed to fighting illegal activities in the state,” Sanghavi stated. “His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and our deepest condolences go out to his family.”

The deceased officer’s team from the State Monitoring Cell organized a formal guard of honor later that evening to pay their respects.

Responsibilities of the Gujarat State Monitoring Cell (SMC)

The State Monitoring Cell plays a crucial role in enforcing the Gujarat Prohibition Act, which imposes stringent penalties on the manufacturing, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state. Enacted in 1960 and amended in 2017, the Prohibition Act mandates a 10-year imprisonment for those found guilty of producing, selling, or transporting liquor within Gujarat. As part of the SMC, Pathan and his colleagues were specifically tasked with combating illegal liquor operations and preventing its distribution in the “dry state.”

Details from the Investigation

The ongoing investigation, led by the Dasada police station, has raised questions about the suspected liquor smugglers’ tactics. Pathan’s team had successfully identified and set up a barricade based on intelligence reports, but the SUV and a trailer truck maneuvered to evade capture.

Officials have speculated that the smuggling operation likely involved more than one vehicle working in coordination. Authorities are now working on leads to locate the suspects and examine whether an organized smuggling network is operating in the region. The Gujarat police have confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed, and forensic and CCTV data will be instrumental in progressing the case.

Statements from Senior Officials

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) K.T. Kamariya offered insights into the challenging circumstances officers face in enforcing the Prohibition Act. “Our teams take every precaution when pursuing bootleggers, but the tactics used by these criminals are constantly evolving,” Kamariya explained. “It’s with great sorrow that we lost Sub-Inspector Pathan, a devoted officer who has greatly contributed to the SMC’s mission.”

DIG Nirlipt Rai, head of the SMC, stated, “PSI J.M. Pathan lost his life while upholding his duty to the people of Gujarat. He stood firm against illegal activities, and his commitment will be remembered.” The police department, alongside Pathan’s family and community, attended his last rites, conducted with full honors.

Gujarat Prohibition Act: Scope and Enforcement

Under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, the state imposes a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol. The legislation prohibits the manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor, and those found guilty face harsh penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines. Over the years, the SMC has conducted numerous operations to dismantle smuggling rings and prevent liquor distribution.

However, as demonstrated by this tragic incident, smuggling attempts continue despite strict enforcement. Bootleggers have reportedly adopted new strategies, including using convoy setups to avoid police interception. Vehicles carrying contraband often travel alongside decoy cars or in multi-vehicle groups to outmaneuver the police.

The Impact on Gujarat’s Law Enforcement Community

The death of Sub-Inspector Pathan has left a void in Gujarat’s law enforcement community. Known as a committed and hard-working officer, Pathan’s dedication to enforcing state law and tackling crime was well-regarded among his peers. His untimely passing has spurred calls for more resources and support for officers enforcing the Prohibition Act.

Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi also commented on the incident, calling it a “failure of the home department in ensuring officer safety.” He criticized the government, asserting that “anti-social elements are becoming increasingly bold,” which he claims underscores the need for more robust measures in curbing illegal activities.

Potential Steps Forward

Pathan’s death has prompted discussions within Gujarat’s administration about improving safety protocols for officers assigned to high-risk duties. Enhanced training, improved surveillance technology, and protective equipment have been suggested to minimize risks during operations.

While the investigation progresses, police officials remain determined to apprehend those responsible for the tragedy. Officers involved in Pathan’s final operation continue to work on the case, with hopes that his dedication will inspire greater accountability and vigilance against criminal activity.

The loss of Sub-Inspector J.M. Pathan is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across India. The Gujarat Police Department, along with state officials and Pathan’s family, mourns the passing of an officer who laid down his life in the line of duty. His legacy will continue to influence the work of the SMC and the state’s law enforcement efforts.

As Gujarat strengthens its commitment to the Prohibition Act, Pathan’s story stands as both a tribute to his courage and a call for greater resources to support the officers on the front lines of state law enforcement.