Acting on information regarding alleged illegal coal trading from Jharkhand into Bihar, Barachatti police conducted a raid in Chauthiya on Wednesday. During the operation, four trucks loaded with coal and one JCB machine were seized. Shankar Kumar (23), a resident of Arwadohar village under Dobhi police station, was arrested from the spot. He was sent to Sherghati under police custody on Friday for presentation in court.

Police Inspector and Station Head Amarendra Kishore confirmed the seizure of the four trucks, stating that the coal loaded on the vehicles was 'disco coal'. According to sources, more than half a dozen coal depots operate in Chauthiya. It is alleged that coal coming from Jharkhand is unloaded here and then transported to various parts of Bihar. This action was taken to curb the illegal coal trade. Police are conducting further investigations and searching for others involved in this illicit business.