Nagpur: With drought putting an additional financial burden on farmers, sharecroppers, small traders and others dependent on the rural economy, police in east Vidarbha are planning a crackdown on illegal moneylenders to prevent harassment and possible debt-related suicides.Inspector general of police, Nagpur Range, Sandip Patil directed district police heads and police stations to maintain zero tolerance towards illegal moneylending and harassment of borrowers. The Nagpur Range covers four districts — Nagpur Rural, Wardha, Bhandara and Chandrapur.Patil has asked the district police machinery to remain particularly alert in rural and drought-hit areas, where farmers and other sections may struggle to repay loans due to crop losses and reduced agricultural income.Police will keep vigil on moneylenders who allegedly charge excessive interest, demand payments beyond what was agreed upon or use threats, intimidation and other coercive methods to recover money.The move assumes significance against the backdrop of farmer suicides in Vidarbha, where debt traps and financial distress emerged as key factors in such cases. People facing harassment by illegal moneylenders can approach cops. “Police stations will be asked to prominently display contact numbers and those of senior officers at public places in villages and other vulnerable areas,” said IG Patil.Patil is also expected to sensitise district police officers and station-level personnel at crime-review meetings on possible law-and-order consequences of prolonged drought. “Police have also been asked to remain alert to increase in thefts and other property-related offences as economic stress deepens,” said the IG.The police are also expected to keep an eye on disputes arising from distress sales of livestock, including allegations of illegal transportation or theft of cattle.
