Kadapa becomes hub for gutka production

Kadapa: The district has been turning as hub for manufacturing of gutka with some influential people having nexus with politicians indulging in such illegal trade by installing machinery in agriculture fields under the mask of farming.

The culprits bring raw materials such as powder, tobacco and other chemicals in the form of liquid from Bengaluru and Anantapur district and secretly produce the substance in some villages in the district.

Recently, the Rajampet police have arrested 4 persons and one gutka whole sale dealer on the charges of selling and supplying gutka and recovered 4 bags from them. This is the fifth-time that police arrested persons involving in gutka supply. In the last two months, police arrested 10 persons and recovered gutka bags at different places in the district.

According to sources, the traders are using the services of women and minor children in the production of these substances as they are earning good chunk of money by doing this illegal business. Unfortunately, most of the white collared people like doctors, lawyers, teachers, government officials and other professionals are addicted to the consumption of gutka, particularly in rural areas as it is easily available at tea points, fancy shops and even in some grocery shops.

The banned substance is being circulated in market in the name of ‘Kaleja’ at Rs 5. Nearly 10 lakh sachets are being sold every day in the district. Reportedly about 30 lakh population are consuming gutka on an average in the district.

“What is wrong in consuming gutka as it is providing me much intoxicant mood by just spending Rs 5 to 10, which is 10 times lesser than quarter wine bottle,” pointed out a consumer.

Though selling of gutka is an open secret, the officials are least bothered about illegal trade and are conducting raids occasionally to wash off their hands.