A peep into the lives of depositors who feel deceived, reveals that they all share one thing in common — pain. The feelings that unite them are an uncertain future and hope.
“An amount of ₹5 lakh cannot bring back the breadwinner of my family. My husband invested ₹one crore. He became sick and finally committed suicide. We lost both money, head of the family and are suffering for no fault of ours,” said a woman of Kadapa, preferring anonymity.
Lamented Rajya Lakshmi from Rayagada: “We couldn’t educate our children properly after the scam. Even proper food is a premium . I’m worried about the future of my children and urge government to find a way out.”
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The victims recollected their participation in protests, visiting government offices and urging officials to bail them out. “With each passing year our unhappiness is only increasing. We are unable to attend family functions because the topic is discussion will always be AgriGold. I do not know why government is dragging iits feet,” many depositors rued.
The woes of the agents, who brought in money to company, are also heart-rending.
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Living in fear
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Many recollected how they living under constant threat and intimidation.
“After the scam broke out, depositors attacked us several times and finally my sister K. Prameela sold a piece of land and gold ornaments to repay some depositors”, says Kalisetty Krishna Mohan, an agent of the company.
Dudekula Dastagiri, a motor mechanic, deposited ₹70 lakh through agents and even encouraged his friends and well-wishers to invest in the company. “I lost everything and those invested believing in me are also in a soup. The scam has shattered my life and reputation.”
“Many marriages were cancelled and several victims were bedridden for years . Though the company is having valuable assets, why is the State government delaying in selling them?” he asked.