In a decisive move triggered by a distressing incident involving a debt-ridden farmer, the Maharashtra police have ramped up their statewide campaign against illegal moneylending. The action comes as a direct response to the case of Roshan Kule, a marginal farmer from the Nagpur region, who was driven to reportedly sell his kidney to clear an initial loan of Rs 1 lakh. The debt had ballooned to a staggering Rs 74 lakh due to exorbitant interest rates charged by unlawful lenders.
Zero-Tolerance Stance and New Initiatives
Nagpur city police, under the leadership of Commissioner Ravinder Singal, are preparing to establish a dedicated help desk and are considering organizing a grievance redressal camp specifically for complaints against illegal moneylenders. Commissioner Singal emphasized a "zero-tolerance approach" towards such complaints. He urged harassed citizens to submit their complaints at the help desk located in the Commissioner of Police office, assuring prompt action. The city police have already begun a targeted drive against these lenders.
Simultaneously, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to delve deeper into the Chandrapur case that sparked this intensified response. The police are acutely aware of the violent methods employed by these illegal operators. These lenders often maintain gangs of criminals to enforce recoveries. Borrowers who default on exorbitant interest payments face threats, physical assault, kidnapping, and even have their families targeted. Sources indicate that suicide among victims, trapped in a cycle of harassment and impossible debt, is tragically common.
Rural Outreach and Awareness Drive
In Nagpur's rural areas, Superintendent of Police Harssh A Poddar has launched a proactive awareness campaign. The rural police have released educational videos featuring Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs). These videos clearly explain the signs of financial exploitation, outline legal rights, and guide citizens on how to approach authorities for help.
"The victims of moneylenders are mostly people from weak economic strata," stated SP Poddar. The initiative aims to empower vulnerable farmers and low-income groups to break their silence and file formal complaints. The videos provide direct contact details of SDPO offices to facilitate this process. SP Poddar also issued a caution to licensed moneylenders, warning them to adhere strictly to regulations to avoid legal action.
Sustained Action and Information Gathering
Beyond public campaigns, the Nagpur rural police are engaged in covert operations to gather intelligence on illegal moneylending networks operating across the district. This discreet information collection is crucial for building strong cases and dismantling these exploitative systems from within.
The combined efforts of city and rural police in Nagpur mark a significant escalation in the fight against predatory lending. The shocking case of Roshan Kule has acted as a catalyst, pushing authorities to implement both punitive measures and preventive strategies to protect Maharashtra's most economically vulnerable citizens from falling into inescapable debt traps.
