In Amreli, Gujarat, a farmer named Kanubhai Yadavbhai Lunagariya is facing serious threats despite repaying a loan of ₹12 lakhs. He originally borrowed ₹3 lakhs from a moneylender in Jasdan, paying a high interest rate of 10% monthly. Even after repaying four times the borrowed amount, the moneylender demanded an additional ₹10 lakhs and threatened to kill Kanubhai’s family if he did not comply.
This alarming situation began when Kanubhai took the loan to support his farming. Over four years, he repaid ₹12 lakhs, which included compounded interest on the original amount. However, the moneylender, Babubhai Teraiya, continued to extort more money, claiming that Kanubhai still owed him money.
In a shocking twist, the moneylender not only threatened Kanubhai but also took over his 9 bighas of agricultural land without permission. Kanubhai claims that his land, which was used for cotton farming, was worth around ₹11.20 lakhs and had been taken away unlawfully.
Kanubhai’s son, Shailesh, was also threatened, adding to the family’s distress. They were told they would be harmed if they did not pay the additional amount demanded by the moneylender. The fear of violence forced Kanubhai to take this matter to the police. He filed a complaint at the Amreli police station, seeking justice and protection for his family.
The police have now launched an investigation into the moneylender’s actions. Amreli police are actively searching for Babubhai Teraiya and plan to take him into custody for his threats and unlawful actions against the farmer.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the practices of moneylenders in rural areas of Gujarat, where farmers often face exploitation due to their financial needs. Many farmers find it difficult to access loans from formal banking institutions, leading them to resort to private moneylenders who impose harsh interest rates and conditions.
Farmers like Kanubhai, who work hard to sustain their families, often fall victim to such predatory lending practices, which can lead to dire consequences. The government and local authorities need to take immediate action to protect farmers and ensure that they are not exploited by moneylenders.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of farmer indebtedness in India and calls for reforms in the lending system to provide safer and fairer options for farmers. It is essential that measures are put in place to prevent such threats and ensure that farmers can work without fear of violence or extortion.
The Amreli community is rallying around Kanubhai, showing support for his fight against the moneylender’s threats. Local activists are also raising awareness about the issues faced by farmers in the region, urging the government to take action to protect their rights and welfare.
As the investigation continues, Kanubhai’s case will hopefully shed light on the struggles of many farmers and lead to necessary changes in the lending practices that affect their lives.
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