Noose tightened around usurers as police raid 22 sites in Gohana

In a major crackdown on usurers, Sonepat police have constituted 15 special teams and carried out raids at 22 locations in Gohana city. The raids led to the recovery of a large number of documents, including property registries, affidavits and blank cheques.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of extortion and begun an investigation.

Mamta Singh, ADGP and Commissioner of Police, said the Sonepat police had launched a special drive against usurers, who lend money at exorbitant interest rates. “These people give loans to the poor and needy, burden them with high interest rates and later start torturing them mentally and physically. Sometimes, the victim loses patience and even commits suicide,” she said.

Narender Kadyan, DCP (Crime), said action was taken on the directions of the Director General of Police (DGP) after receiving multiple complaints about usurers’ gangs active in Gohana. “Following the DGP’s directions, 15 special teams have been constituted to keep a tab on the activities of such usurers. These teams will identify them and raid their hideouts,” he said.

The DCP added that the teams jointly raided 22 locations and recovered more than 200 affidavits, over 100 blank cheques, property registration documents and other records. “This is the first such drive against usurers in the district and no one involved will be spared. As many as six to seven cases were already registered against such usurers in Gohana for beating people,” he said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the usurers targeted needy individuals, lending money at interest rates ranging between 5 and 20 per cent. Before disbursing loans, they would take blank cheques, affidavits, property papers or even jewellery as security. “When a person failed to repay on time, they began torturing him physically and mentally. In some cases, victims even committed suicide,” Kadyan said.

He warned, “Exploitation of people by giving loans at high interest rates will not be tolerated at any cost. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved.”

Appealing to residents not to fall into the trap of such groups, the DCP said, “This moneylending business is being run by so-called bullies, but they will not be spared. If anyone needs money, take cheap and safe loans only from banks and financial institutions recognised by the government.”