More than 50 people from around Kochi arrived at the City Police Commissioner’s office on Thursday morning to submit their complaints regarding illegal money lending. The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners spoke to the complainants in person to record their grievances.
“Cases will be registered wherever necessary and strict action will be taken. We registered 96 cases against illegal money lenders under the special drive. The adalat is bringing us cases that we may have missed during the operation,” said Commissioner K.G. James. A large number of the complaints were regarding property illegally seized by money lenders. There were also those who had registered cases earlier regarding threats from illegal money lenders, but no action was taken by the police.
A Kadavanthra resident was at the adalat with a complaint about illegal money lenders who took his land deeds when he borrowed money. “I borrowed Rs. 2 lakh and they gave me Rs.1.7 lakh after taking interest and service charge. It was for an emergency so I handed over my land deed when they asked,” he said. The lenders allegedly refused to return the deed and sold the land, worth about Rs. 15 lakh, without the complainant’s consent.
“I gave a complaint at the South police station in 2012. No action has been taken yet. I heard that a woman who was part of the money lenders’ group was arrested under Operation Kubera. So I thought I’d come to the adalat,” he said.
Those who have information or complaints about illegal money lenders can reach the Deputy Commissioners of Police at 9497996986, or 9497990061. The Crime Detachment Assistant Commissioner of Police can be reached at 9497990064.
