The family of a farmer at Echom near Kaniayampetta in Wayanad district is facing revenue recovery from a state-owned bank despite reportedly clearing their debt three years ago.
The family of late Thomas of Mankudiyil at Echom is facing the threat from the Kaniyampetta branch of the Kerala Grameen Bank. The family had cleared the debt by repaying Rs.7.5 lakh three years ago for the loan amount of Rs. 2.50 lakh.
Speaking to media here on Wednesday, Anees, wife of Thomas, said her husband had borrowed Rs.2.5 lakh from the bank on May 5, 2000, as non agriculture loan after mortgaging his 1.75 acres. But he could not repay the debt on time owing to crop loss and the death of their elder son.
Later, the bank authorities filed a case at the Sulthan Bathery Sub Court to recover the debt and the court ordered to auction the land in 2003. But the bank did not take any measures till 2012, except issuing some notices, she said
Meanwhile, her husband died of cancer in June 2012. Finally, the family paid Rs.7.5 lakh as against the outstanding amount of Rs.14.44 lakh at a one-time settlement programme of the bank on September 12, 2012 after selling their property. “The bank authorities had promised us while paying the amount that the documents of the property will be released in 45 days,” she said. But when she approached the bank to collect the documents, the bank authorities refused to return the documents as the headquarters of the bank did not approve the terms of the settlement. Moreover, she was asked to pay Rs.3.5 lakh more to get back the documents.
“Though we had filed a case before the Kerala High Court against the move of the bank, we tried to make many amicable settlements with the bank. But the bank authorities demanded another Rs.3.5 lakh to settle the issue” she added. . The sub court, later, served a notice on the family showing attachment of the property on November 26 as per the eviction petition filed by the bank, she said.
Bank’s stand
Meanwhile, the bank authorities denied any wrongdoing on their part. N.K. Krishnankutty, general manager, Kerala Grameen Bank, told The Hindu that they had returned the settlement proposal as the terms of it was not acceptable to the bank. Many a time the bank had asked the farmer to pay Rs.10 lakh more to settle the issue. But the farmer did not accept it. The revenue recovery measures and attachment of the property were the result of the due process of law,” he added.
