Karnal cops crack down on ‘illegal financiers’

In a major crackdown on ‘illegal financiers’, the Karnal police have arrested 23 such financiers in 22 cases. As many as 500 victims have come forward against them.

The step has been initiated on the directions of the DGP, Haryana, Shatrujeet Kapur, who directed that such financiers be traced and stringent action taken against them.

As per the police, these financiers have exploited people by offering loans at low interest initially, and later charged exorbitant rates, causing severe mental and financial harassment to the borrowers.

Acting on the complaints received from the victims, the police have so far registered 22 cases across different police stations in the district in the first forthnight of September, said Ganga Ram Punia, Superintendent of Police (SP).

In these cases, 23 accused have been arrested and presented before the courts, which subsequently sent them to judicial custody, he added.

During investigations, the police identified nearly 500 victims who were forced to sign blank or undated cheques, property agreements, or pledged vehicles. Despite repayment of the principal amounts, the accused often refused to return the cheques, agreements or vehicles.

So far, the police have recovered 210 cheques, 73 registers, seven vehicles, 19 ATM cards, and several other incriminating documents, which are at present under examination, the SP said. He said prompt and fair investigation was being ensured in all cases.

The SP appealed to the public to come forward and report any such cases to their respective police stations or his office. “Strict legal action after due verification of complaints will be taken,” the SP added.