Tirunelveli: A Traffic Wing Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) attached to the Tirunelveli City Police has been suspended after a disturbing incident in which he allegedly drove his car for hundreds of meters with a young daily wage laborer clinging desperately to the bonnet. The entire event, which occurred near Ganesh Theater two nights ago, was captured on video and spread rapidly across social media platforms, triggering public outrage and prompting immediate departmental action.
According to reports, SSI Gandhirajan was driving his car when it collided with a motorcycle ridden by Ashok Kumar, a resident of Town Shenbagam Pillai Street. An argument ensued after Kumar alleged that the SSI was under the influence of alcohol and responsible for the accident. As bystanders gathered, SSI Gandhirajan reportedly attempted to flee the scene. In a desperate attempt to prevent his escape, Ashok Kumar lay on the bonnet of the moving vehicle, shouting for help. Ignoring the grave risk to the youth’s life, the SSI accelerated and drove approximately 200 meters with Kumar clinging to the car, as seen in the widely circulated video.
A traffic wing SSI, allegedly drunk, rammed a youth’s bike in Tirunelveli. After a quarrel, he drove with the youth clinging to his car bonnet for a few hundred metres. pic.twitter.com/U5c9TYCpeH
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) September 18, 2025
Departmental Action Initiated; Criminal Probe Underway
The viral footage prompted swift action from senior police officials. Deputy Commissioner of Police Prasanna Kumar ordered the immediate transfer of SSI Gandhirajan to the Armed Reserve and directed a thorough departmental inquiry. The officer was subsequently suspended pending further investigation. Police authorities have confirmed that criminal action will be pursued based on the findings of the inquiry and a formal complaint from the victim.
Ashok Kumar, who works as a daily wage labourer, has yet to formally register a complaint, but officials have indicated that the process is underway.