Karnataka: Widow Sends Sacred Thread to HM Parameshwara, Seeks Justice for Late Husband
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Synopsis
A woman from Raichur has sent her mangalsutra to Home Minister G. Parameshwara, pleading for justice following her husband's suicide, allegedly due to harassment by microfinance company staff. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for government action.
Key Takeaways
- Mangalsutra: Symbol of marital bond.
- Harassment Allegations: Widow claims microfinance staff tormented her husband.
- Community Support: Local organizations backing the widow's plea for justice.
- Government Response: Home Minister assures action against unlawful practices.
- Widespread Issue: Many in the region reportedly facing similar harassment.
Raichur, Jan 23 (NationPress) The widow of a man who tragically took his own life has forwarded her mangalsutra to Home Minister G. Parameshwara, urging for action against the personnel of a microfinance firm who are believed to have pressured her husband into despair.
The mangalsutra represents a sacred bond, traditionally worn by married Hindu women as a symbol of their marriage.
Parvathi, the grieving spouse, asserts that the microfinance company’s staff engaged in severe harassment toward her husband, Sharanabasava, contributing to his tragic demise. She is calling for swift justice against the individuals accountable for this situation. Local advocacy groups have rallied behind her cause.
She has previously met with the Superintendent of Police in Raichur district, submitting a formal memorandum regarding the distressing events.
Sharanabasava reportedly ended his life on January 17 by ingesting poison in his native village of Kapagal, situated near Manvi town in Raichur district. His family claims he faced relentless torment from the microfinance staff.
The deceased, who was employed as both a cab driver and laborer, had accrued a debt of Rs 8 lakh from various private microfinance organizations. Struggling to meet just a few equated monthly installments (EMIs), he allegedly faced incessant harassment from their representatives. Community members have noted that many locals are fleeing due to similar mistreatment from these microfinance lenders.
In response to the allegations of mistreatment by microfinance firms, Home Minister G. Parameshwara remarked on Thursday in Udupi that these institutions are exerting undue pressure on clients, committing acts of physical violence, and unlawfully seizing possessions.
“Such actions are devoid of any legal foundation. Should a police report be filed, we will take the necessary measures,” he assured.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has called on the Congress-led Karnataka government to act decisively in this regard.
Sources indicate that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has scheduled a meeting to address this matter on January 25 in Bengaluru.
Reports show that Deputy Commissioners' offices statewide are inundated with petitions demanding government action to halt microfinance harassment. In Belagavi district alone, 2.71 lakh applications have been received. Other districts experiencing high petition counts include Bagalkot (89,037), Vijayapura (75,000), Mandya (42,500), Gadag (41,116), Dharwad (36,489), Ramanagar (33,326), Hassan (24,556), and Chikkaballapura (22,054).
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has criticized the Congress-led state administration for losing grip over microfinance institutions (MFIs), resulting in widespread victimization of vulnerable individuals.
In the meantime, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has acknowledged the pressing issue, stating that the Finance Department must intervene against unregulated MFIs.
“We are not fully cognizant of unlicensed microfinance companies operating in the state, but it is imperative that the Finance Department takes action,” Parameshwara remarked on Wednesday. He assured that complaints from affected individuals would trigger prompt investigations.
The minister also highlighted recent incidents linked to MFI harassment. “There was a case of a woman in Tiptur town of Tumakuru district who took her life due to MFI harassment. Similar incidents have been reported in and around Tumakuru. We are taking legal action and registering cases,” he stated.
Parameshwara emphasized the necessity for preventive strategies but conceded that proactive oversight poses challenges.
“Guidelines are in place for microfinance operations, yet violations, particularly by unregistered entities, lead to significant issues. Innocent individuals frequently invest their money and find themselves ensnared. Whenever we become aware of such infractions, we will act with resolve,” he affirmed.
