Smugglers find KSRTC inter-state buses convenient

KOZHIKODE: The smugglers have found the  KSRTC buses conducting interstate services to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu a safe mode to bring in various goods and drugs to the state. Police suspect  that some of the KSRTC employees are colluding with the smugglers for sending the items  without owners and even tickets. Last week,  the forest department seized five  kilograms of deer meat from the Kalpetta-Mysore KSRTC bus.

When queried about the owner, the conductor behaved arrogantly,  said the forest staff. A police official told DC that it was free for all in KSRTC buses. Even the staff earn some quick bucks through collusion.  Anything can be transported through the KSRTC buses,  he added. In another incident at Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad on Tuesday,  the KSRTC vigilance wing seized six bundles, claimed to be betel leaves, from a Munnar -bound KSRTC bus coming from Bangalore.

The consignment meant for  Adimaly in Idukki came without an owner and it  was confiscated at  midnight and a report was filed against the conductor. A team claimed to be the owners landed in Sulthan Bathery on Wednesday morning and got the luggage auctioned and carried away paying Rs 1050 as auction price.

However,  the special branch  of police has started an investigation into the unbridled transporting of goods from other states in KSRTC buses. KSRTC assistant transport officer A.P. Shaji told DC that the conductors were directed to ensure that only luggage with owners is  transported. “In the case of betel leaves,  though a ticket was charged for the luggage,  it was with the driver,”  he added.