Bus conductor arrested in Tamil Nadu for smuggling gutka across states

A bus conductor has been taken into custody in Tiruvannamalai district following an investigation into the transportation of gutka across state lines. According to law enforcement officials, the suspect, identified as Sivanathan, was involved in moving substantial quantities of the prohibited tobacco product between Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu.

Police allege that Sivanathan exploited his position as a conductor on regular intercity bus services between Polur town and Bengaluru to facilitate the smuggling operation. Investigators claim he would collect packaged gutka from dealers operating in Bengaluru and transport the contraband concealed in bags during his scheduled commercial runs.

The arrest comes as part of ongoing efforts by Tamil Nadu authorities to crack down on the illegal trade in gutka, which has been banned in several states due to health concerns. The state has intensified enforcement against smuggling networks that attempt to circumvent prohibitions by moving banned products across interstate boundaries using public transport services.

Officials have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the law. Further investigations are underway to identify other individuals potentially involved in the distribution network and the source of the smuggled consignments.