In a tragic incident, Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) J M Pathan of the Gandhinagar State Monitoring Cell (SMC) lost his life early this morning while in pursuit of a vehicle suspected to be involved in illegal liquor transport.

The fatal accident occurred on the Dasada-Patdi road near Kathada village around 2.30 am, as the PSI and his team attempted to intercept the suspects.

According to police sources, the SMC team had set up a checkpoint on the Kathada village turn after receiving intelligence about a suspicious vehicle — a Creta car believed to be carrying contraband liquor.

However, the vehicle driver ignored the checkpoint and attempted to speed past, overtaking a large trailer truck to evade capture.

PSI Pathan and his team, trailing the vehicle in a Fortuner, accelerated in an attempt to block the Creta from escaping. During the high-speed chase, the situation took a dangerous turn as the trailer and Creta manoeuvred perilously close to each other. In the chaos, the Fortuner carrying PSI Pathan collided with the side of the trailer, causing the police vehicle to veer off the road.

PSI Pathan sustained severe head injuries in the collision. Despite being rushed to the Dasada Primary Health Center and then transferred to Viramgam Government Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after his arrival.

The incident has cast a pall over the SMC team, who described PSI Pathan as a dedicated and courageous officer committed to his duty.

A case has been registered at the Dasada Police Station, and investigations are underway to trace the Creta driver involved in the incident. Officials are examining CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to aid in their probe.

Meanwhile, senior officers have expressed condolences to PSI Pathan’s family and commended his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.