Hyderabad: The mastermind behind an interstate hash oil racket, N. Praveen Kumar, started manufacturing the contraband on his own to triple his profit, when compared to getting the supply from manufacturers in Visakhapatnam, the police said.
Kumar supplied raw materials to manufacturers and gave them orders as well, making profits on both sides. However, despite increasing his profits, he maintained a simple life, the police said.
Kumar and three of his associates were arrested on Tuesday, with the police planning to seek extended custody for further investigation.
Sources said that he was also considered a ‘godfather’ in the peddler community as he arranged advocates for aides who were arrested and also took care of their needs.
The police said that Kumar was a college dropout and was previously involved in an abduction case as well. He would keep his travel and supply schedule to himself and would only let his associates in at the last moment.
The police said that Kumar was particular about keeping time and used to leave the pre-decided meeting place even if a client was late by two minutes.
Kumar transported oil from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad in his vehicle and distributed it in the city, while clients from Bengaluru were asked to collect their consignments from the port city. He would also confirm the location only when his clients touched down in Visakhapatnam.
