Tragic loss: Gujarat officer killed while intercepting illegal liquor smugglers

Gujarat News: In a tragic incident in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district, a police officer was killed early Tuesday morning while attempting to stop an SUV suspected of smuggling illegal liquor. The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on the Dasada-Patdi road, close to Kathada village, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement in their battle against illegal activities.

Officer's Brave Attempt to Enforce the Law

Sub-Inspector JM Pathan, a dedicated member of the State Monitoring Cell (SMC), had received intelligence regarding the vehicle's involvement in liquor smuggling. Acting on this information, Pathan and his team established a roadblock to intercept the SUV. Unfortunately, the vehicle, which was towing a trailer, managed to evade the blockade. As the SUV approached, the headlights momentarily blinded Pathan, leading to a severe accident.

Fatal Crash and Emergency Response

In a desperate attempt to regain control, Pathan crashed his vehicle into the rear of the trailer, sustaining critical head injuries. He was swiftly transported to a nearby primary health clinic in Dasada, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to a government hospital in Viramgram, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

The police have since filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Dasada police station, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

Tributes Pour In for the Fallen Officer

In the wake of this incident, Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, publicly commended Officer Pathan’s courage. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanghavi expressed, "PSI J.M. Pathan, a dedicated officer of the State Monitoring Cell, lost his life while trying to apprehend a suspected vehicle carrying illegal liquor on the Dasada-Patdi road. Gujarat Police has lost a brave and hardworking officer. A heartfelt tribute to this hero who sacrificed his life in the fight against prohibition. My deepest condolences to his family."

The Role of the State Monitoring Cell

The SMC is responsible for enforcing the Gujarat Prohibition Act (amended 2017) and the Prevention of Gambling Act, 1887. This specialized division of the Gujarat police focuses on regulating the production, sale, and consumption of liquor, which is prohibited in the state. Violators face severe penalties, including a 10-year jail term for the manufacturing, selling, or transporting of liquor.

As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, Officer Pathan's commitment to duty and sacrifice in the fight against illegal activities will be remembered as a testament to the bravery of law enforcement officials.