Who was arrested for illegal moneylending in Kaimur, Bihar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, Dec 23 (NationPress) In a significant move against illegal moneylending, the Kudra police in Kaimur district of Bihar apprehended Lakshman Shah following a complaint from a victim who reported severe financial exploitation and harassment.
Confirming the apprehension, Kaimur Superintendent of Police Hari Mohan Shukla stated that the victim had taken a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh from the accused for his sister’s wedding.
In exchange, Lakshman Shah allegedly coerced the victim into signing blank cheques.
Despite making partial repayments, when the victim attempted to settle the outstanding amount, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 5.6 lakh, including exorbitant interest. The victim was subjected to ongoing mental and physical harassment.
Distressed by this ordeal, the victim sought justice from the police.
Responding promptly to the complaint, Kudra police executed a raid at Lakshman Shah’s home.
During the operation, police seized Rs 1.7 lakh in cash, 245 blank signed cheques from various individuals, 39 land documents, 65 signed stamp papers, three diaries related to moneylending activities, and 1.764 kilograms of silver jewellery.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the accused allegedly charged four to five times the borrowed amount and would seize properties of borrowers who were unable to repay.
SP Hari Mohan Shukla mentioned that a case has been filed, and the accused is now in judicial custody.
“We will also look into and confiscate any unlawfully acquired properties associated with this moneylending racket,” Shukla stated.
The police have urged other victims of the accused to step forward and lodge complaints to facilitate further legal action.
Previously, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, declared the intention to eradicate the illegal practice of “gunda banks”—private lenders imposing exorbitant interest rates and coercing individuals to mortgage their land—from the state.
He underscored that such unlawful lending practices will not be tolerated and that only RBI-authorized banks are allowed to operate in Bihar.
The state government is committed to identifying private money lenders and taking action against them.