Beer man makes a killing at IPL: Ravindra Kantrolu, once accused of being a serial killer, was spotted painting faces and selling water outside D Y Patil stadium yesterday.
Ravindra Kantrolu paints Tricolours on the face of a spectator at D Y Patil stadium yesterday.
Ravindra Kantrolu paints Tricolours on the face of a spectator at D Y Patil stadium yesterday.
What would you expect to see on the day of the first IPL match, outside the stadium? A frenzied, energised crowd, lots of chatter, and a general sense of excitement.
But a MiD DAY photojournalist came across Ravindra Kantrolu alias Raheem the same man Mumbai police had detained for serial killings in the city, nearly three years ago. He was painting the faces of fans with poster colours.
Kantrolu narrated his story about how the police used to beat him up regularly and wanted him to confess that he was the serial killer.
"They used to torture me, and tried to pressurise me into admitting to crimes I was not guilty of. They even asked me to prove my credentials, but I was homeless, and hence I had no documents," said Kantrolu.
Kantrolu can't thank his friends enough for helping him while he was in jail, and says that they repeatedly tried to convince the police that he was innocent, but to no avail.
He added: "The police now want me to leave the city as my acquittal has brought them a bad name. They don't want anyone to see me, and hence want me to leave Mumbai. But I am going to stay here and work hard, and make a living."
Ravindra Kantrolu paints Tricolours on the face of a spectator at D Y Patil stadium yesterday. Kantrolu now earns nearly Rs 500 a day doing odd jobs, and on good days, up to Rs 1,000.
For now, he is charging Rs 10 to paint one side of the face, and he says that the Tricolour is still a huge favourite among cricket fans. He also sells water bottles around the stadium.
Kantrolu plans to continue to hang around all IPL match venues this season. So you might just happen to bump into him if you happen to watch any of the future IPL matches in Mumbai.
Previously...
Kantrolu was charged of killing three people and leaving beer cans near their bodies between 2006-07. Although the prosecution had sought a death penalty for him, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.
In June 2008, the high court acquitted him of any involvement in the murders, due to lack of evidence.
Sorce: Mid-Day
But a MiD DAY photojournalist came across Ravindra Kantrolu alias Raheem the same man Mumbai police had detained for serial killings in the city, nearly three years ago. He was painting the faces of fans with poster colours.
Kantrolu narrated his story about how the police used to beat him up regularly and wanted him to confess that he was the serial killer.
"They used to torture me, and tried to pressurise me into admitting to crimes I was not guilty of. They even asked me to prove my credentials, but I was homeless, and hence I had no documents," said Kantrolu.
Kantrolu can't thank his friends enough for helping him while he was in jail, and says that they repeatedly tried to convince the police that he was innocent, but to no avail.
He added: "The police now want me to leave the city as my acquittal has brought them a bad name. They don't want anyone to see me, and hence want me to leave Mumbai. But I am going to stay here and work hard, and make a living."
Ravindra Kantrolu paints Tricolours on the face of a spectator at D Y Patil stadium yesterday. Kantrolu now earns nearly Rs 500 a day doing odd jobs, and on good days, up to Rs 1,000.
For now, he is charging Rs 10 to paint one side of the face, and he says that the Tricolour is still a huge favourite among cricket fans. He also sells water bottles around the stadium.
Kantrolu plans to continue to hang around all IPL match venues this season. So you might just happen to bump into him if you happen to watch any of the future IPL matches in Mumbai.
Previously...
Kantrolu was charged of killing three people and leaving beer cans near their bodies between 2006-07. Although the prosecution had sought a death penalty for him, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.
In June 2008, the high court acquitted him of any involvement in the murders, due to lack of evidence.
Sorce: Mid-Day
