New Delhi: In a tragic incident that shows the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their fight against illicit activities, a 50-year-old police officer, Sub-Inspector JM Pathan, lost his life early Tuesday morning in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 am on Tuesday on the Dasada-Patdi road, near Kathada village, as Pathan, a member of the State Monitoring Cell (SMC), led a team to intercept an SUV suspected of smuggling illegal liquor. Acting on a tip-off, the team set up a roadblock, but the SUV, towing a trailer, managed to evade the blockade.
Tragedy struck as the SUV approached the roadblock. The vehicle’s headlights blinded Pathan, causing him to lose control of his car and crash into the rear of the trailer. Pathan suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to a government hospital in Viramgram, where he succumbed to his injuries.
An FIR has been registered at the Dasada police station, and an investigation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators involved in the smuggling operation.
Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, paid tribute to the fallen officer, highlighting his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty. “Gujarat Police has lost a brave and hardworking officer,” he wrote on X, “A heartfelt tribute to this hero who sacrificed his life in the fight against prohibition.”
The State Monitoring Cell, responsible for enforcing the Gujarat Prohibition Act (amended 2017) and the Prevention of Gambling Act of 1887, plays a crucial role in combating these illicit activities. The prohibition law regulates the production, sale, and consumption of liquor in Gujarat. There is a 10-year jail term in Gujarat for manufacturing, selling, or transporting liquor.
