An Indian-origin man in Arkansas has faced a shocking ordeal after being wrongly arrested and having his visa revoked. Police mistook his designer perfume for opium, turning a simple traffic stop into a life-altering incident.
Perfume Mistaken for Drugs
Kapil Raghu was pulled over for a routine traffic check. During the stop, officers saw a perfume bottle in his car’s centre console labelled “Opium.” Believing it to be a drug, they arrested him on the spot. Later, crime lab reports confirmed that it was just designer perfume.
Detained Despite Being Innocent
Raghu, who is married to a US citizen and awaiting permanent residency, was detained by ICE for 30 days. During that time, his visa was revoked due to an administrative error. The mistake has now left him with a “deportation” status.
Family Struggling Under Pressure
Because of this label, even a minor infraction could lead to deportation. He’s also barred from working legally, leaving his wife to handle everything alone. She now works three jobs to cover heavy legal expenses after their savings ran out.
Considering Leaving the US
The family is now thinking of leaving the United States altogether and moving to a country where they can live peacefully. The experience has left them drained and disillusioned.
Diplomatic Violation Raises Concerns
The Indian Consulate was never informed about Raghu’s detention, which violates the Vienna Convention. The entire episode exposes how fragile life can be for immigrants when even a small mistake by authorities can destroy years of effort and stability.
