In a significant crackdown on illegal money lending, the Makarpura police in Vadodara have arrested three individuals for allegedly extorting exorbitant interest from a senior citizen and threatening her with dire consequences, including with a firearm.
The Harrowing Tale of Extortion and Threats
According to the police complaint, the ordeal began during the Covid-19 pandemic when the 61-year-old victim borrowed a sum of Rs 1.57 crore from the prime accused, identified as Sunil Parikh. Over the subsequent years, from 2021 to 2025, the woman diligently repaid a staggering amount of Rs 4.39 crore to Parikh, which included illegally high rates of interest.
Despite clearing what amounted to nearly three times the principal amount, her troubles were far from over. Parikh allegedly continued to demand more money and recently pressed for an additional Rs 80 lakh. Even after the victim pleaded that she had already settled both the principal and the interest, the harassment did not cease.
Confrontation and Property Grab Allegations
The situation escalated dangerously when the complainant alleged that Sunil Parikh, accompanied by his associates Rajnikant Ravat and Jayesh Parmar, forcibly entered her office. There, they threatened her, with Parikh reportedly brandishing a pistol to intimidate her.
She further informed the investigators that Parikh's ultimate motive appeared to be seizing her property, including her house. Fearing for her safety and assets, the senior citizen finally mustered the courage to approach the Makarpura police station four days ago and filed a formal complaint against the trio.
Swift Police Action and Arrests
Acting promptly on her complaint, the Makarpura police launched an investigation and subsequently arrested all three accused. The police presented the arrested individuals before a local court, which has granted two days of police custody for further interrogation and to uncover the full extent of their alleged loan sharking operations.
This arrest is part of a broader city-wide initiative by Vadodara police to clamp down on loan sharks who prey on vulnerable citizens by charging illegal interest rates. The case highlights the severe risks associated with unregulated lending and the extreme measures some lenders take to recover money.
