Bus conductor arrested in Tiruvannamalai for carrying gutka

A 52-year-old Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus conductor was arrested by the Kalasapakkam police near Arani town on Sunday for allegedly transporting 30 kg of gutka to sell the consignment to retailers in the area.

The arrested person has been identified as K. Sivanathan, a resident of Tiruvannamalai. During routine trips between Polur town and Bengaluru, Sivanathan allegedly carried several kilograms of gutka in sacks from vendors in Bengaluru, police said.

He allegedly split the shipment into small quantities and sold them to retailers for a profit. Acting on a tip-off, a police team was conducting a vehicle check when it intercepted the bus and found a large quantity of gutka in several bags belonging to the bus conductor. A case has been registered. Later, Sivanathan was lodged in Vellore Central Jail. A probe is underway.

Published – 12 Oct 2026 0:45 AM IST