BENGALURU, India — A former grocery store owner turned vegetable vendor is in police custody for allegedly murdering two friends in a desperate bid to recover financial losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ravi Prasad Reddy, 40, who operated a chain of stores before losing around ₹5 crore, is facing serious charges connected to the deaths of R. Madesh, 41, and Balappa Reddy, 61.
Police investigations indicate that an array of factors led Reddy to take drastic actions. He lost significant amounts of money during the pandemic, with about 60 individuals he had lent to either dying or fleeing the city, creating a financial crisis. Friends of Reddy, Madesh and Balappa, were also heavily involved in local chit-fund operations, which may have contributed to their tragic demise.
Reddy was arrested near his home over the weekend, following an incident involving an attempt to evade police. When confronted at a burial ground in Bommasandra, he allegedly assaulted officers, resulting in injuries when they shot him in both knees as he attempted to flee. Authorities have also taken two of his associates, Dhanush and Sateesh, into custody for questioning in connection with Balappa’s abduction on November 6.
The investigation has since expanded to include Reddy’s elder sister, Sunanda, who was reportedly present during the kidnapping. City police chief Seemanth Kumar Singh emphasized the thoroughness of their investigation, stating that they were conducting interviews with family members of the victims to piece together the circumstances surrounding their financial dealings.
Reports indicate that Reddy felt rejected by friends who had earlier borrowed money but were unwilling to assist him when he faced hardship. “This made me develop hatred towards them,” police quoted Reddy. Authorities are now looking into whether he was financially indebted to the victims.
Hailing from Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Reddy’s grocery chain, Happy Family Stores, was reliant on funding from his uncle. During more favorable economic times, he invested in chit funds, but the onset of the pandemic led to defaults from borrowers, forcing him to sell his home and property in Hebbagodi. As a means of survival, he established a vegetable stall, bringing in Dhanush and Sateesh for assistance.
Reddy reportedly drew inspiration for his plot from crime films that featured ransom kidnappings. He meticulously devised his plan over three months, initially targeting Madesh, whom he knew to be in possession of substantial cash for a construction project. When Madesh resisted Reddy’s threats, he fled, forcing Reddy to give chase in an unsuccessful attempt to kidnap him.
Authorities revealed that after two days, Reddy targeted Balappa, deceiving him into joining him under the pretense of discussing a business opportunity. When Balappa refused to provide money, Reddy attacked him with the same knife he had used against Madesh. After committing the second murder, Reddy attempted to cover up the crime by disposing of the body.
The shocking turn of events not only highlights the desperation faced by some during the pandemic but also raises questions about the profound impact of financial stress on personal relationships. As investigations continue, police are piecing together the full extent of Reddy’s motivations and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding these brutal acts.