Bhavnagar: A 38-year-old Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Sachin R. Sharma, posted in the State Monitoring Cell (SMC), passed away early this morning. Sharma’s health suddenly deteriorated while he was chasing liquor smugglers in Bhavnagar, after which he breathed his last this morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city.

PSI Sharma, who had been serving with the SMC for the past three years, was chasing a vehicle allegedly transporting liquor into Bhavnagar district. Near Kumbharwada Patiya, the driver of the vehicle made a sudden U-turn. Instead of taking the overbridge in Maliya village, the driver attempted to bypass it by driving underneath but had to stop due to cows blocking the road.

Later, two accused, including the driver, abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee within the limits of Sanes Police Station and Velavdar Bhal Police Station. PSI Sharma and Constable Jaideep Singh Zala pursued them on foot and managed to catch one of the suspects. However, during the chase, PSI Sharma’s health worsened. When another SMC team arrived, they found his blood pressure had dropped and he had vomited.

PSI Sharma was immediately rushed in a private car to a hospital in Bhavnagar city. He suffered a cardiac arrest during treatment and was shifted to the ICU, with a specialist from another private hospital called in to assist. Despite efforts, he passed away around 7 am.

A native of Haryana, PSI Sachin Sharma’s family had settled in Bhavnagar years ago. His parents still live in Bhavnagar, while Sharma resided in Amreli with his wife, son, and daughter. Known for his passion for football, Sharma had earlier served at several police stations in Amreli district, working under IPS officer Nirlipt Rai. In April 2022, after Rai was transferred as SP to the State Monitoring Cell, he brought Sharma into the team, where he continued to serve until his untimely demise. DeshGujarat