Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 24: Uttara Kannada district has reported the highest number of harassment cases linked to private finance companies in Karnataka, with 25 FIRs registered so far. Haveri and Tumakuru districts follow with 12 cases each, while Gadag stands third with 9 cases. Udupi has recorded 6, and Mandya and Belagavi have reported 5 cases each.
According to police data, between 2023 and 2025, a total of 111 finance harassment cases have been reported across the state, leading to the arrest of 272 accused. Alarmingly, 32 people have died by suicide in connection with such harassment.
Suicide toll due to finance harassment:
Nature of the harassment
Victims, mostly borrowers of small loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lac, were subjected to severe pressure by recovery agents. Even after repaying more than the principal through exorbitant interest payments, many were tortured to repay the original loan amount again. A single day’s delay in repayment would invite aggressive follow-ups, harassment, and in several cases, public humiliation. Vehicles, houses, and other properties were forcibly seized, and borrowers were shamed openly, driving some to take extreme steps.
Despite victims warning recovery agents about approaching the police, many agents continued their tactics without fear. In some cases, there are allegations of police personnel being complicit in the recovery operations of these finance companies.
Cases post government directive
After the Karnataka government issued special guidelines to curb harassment by illegal finance operators, several cases have been filed across the state:
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Bengaluru Urban: 1 case
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Belagavi City: 1
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Tumakuru: 4
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Kolar: 1
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Ramanagara: 1
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Mysuru: 1
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Mandya: 1
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Kodagu: 1
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Bagalkot: 1
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Chitradurga: 2
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Haveri: 2
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Shivamogga: 1
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Davanagere: 1
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Uttara Kannada: 7
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Udupi: 2
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Koppal: 1
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Vijayanagara: 1
A total of 69 accused have been arrested under the renewed crackdown since the directive. Authorities have urged citizens to report such cases promptly and assured strict action against offenders.