Drug Peddler Who Filed Rs 40 Lakh in I-T Returns Nabbed in B’Luru

It would appear that Rachappa, a construction worker, was also trying to be a good tax-paying citizen.

Image used for representational purpose.

(Photo: AP)

It’s no secret that paying tax is something many people don’t particularly like. In India, in fact, only 1.7% Indians paid income tax in 2015-16! Such good citizens, right?

It would appear that a Bengaluru-based construction worker, Rachappa, was also trying to be a good tax-paying citizen. He declared his income for 2017-18 at the I-T department too. But unfortunately for him, the move backfired pretty badly. As it turns out, much of Rachappa’s income is allegedly drug money.

The Koramangala police arrested Rachappa (34) and his accomplice Srinivas (47) on 20 January as they were trying to make a drug sale at a hotel on 80 Feet Road in Koramangala.

The Case

After Rachappa declared his income, the I-T department informed the police. He had declared his annual income as Rs 40 lakh without disclosing the source.

Police sources confirmed to The News Minute that they had been keeping an eye on Rachappa since earlier this month.

After speaking to people, they learnt that he was a drug peddler selling ganja. But they had to wait in order to catch him in the act before arresting him.

Investigation revealed that Rachappa had been working as a construction labourer in Bengaluru before he took up drug peddling in 2013. He apparently lived in a villa on Kanakapura Road, paying Rs 40,000 rent per month and also owned a luxury car. He also had property in his name in his village.

The Arrest

On 20 January, the police rushed to a hotel on 80 Feet Road in Kormangala when they learnt that Rachappa and his accomplices were going to make a drug sale.

The police arrived there and while they were able to arrest Rachappa and Srinivas, another accomplice, Sashu, escaped. He is still absconding.

Police also seized 26 kilograms of ganja and Rs 5 lakh from Rachappa the day of the arrest.

Sources in the police told TNM that Rachappa was allegedly selling ganja worth thousands every month. According to a report, he would sell quality ganja at up to Rs 35,000 a kilo and would sell at least 30 kilos of it monthly.

(This story was originally published on The News Minute and has been republished with permission.)