Police on Thursday seized two tonnes of coal from public bus in West Burdwan’s Andal, revealing yet another tactic used by pilferers to avoid security screening.

This is the third coal haul by the police in the region where the booty was either being smuggled under the garb of milk-based products and bakery items in container truck or on a public transport bus so as to get by security screening.

Acting on a tip-off, the police stopped the Krishnanagar-bound private bus that originated from Asansol on NH2 near Andal police station. During inspection, they found coal stuffed in over 30 sacks inside the luggage carrier and roof of the bus.

Some sacks were also placed under seats inside the bus. The bus was carrying a few passengers from Asansol who were reportedly unsettled by the police raid. They told the police that the coal had been loaded at Sripur near Asansol. The police seized the coal but not the bus driver or helper. The police have started a case of unlawful transportation and overloading and have slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 only. “The police should have seized the bus and its driver and helper for ferrying smuggled coal as they did in earlier incidents,” said a lawyer in Durgapur.