Gujarat Police to conduct drive against loan sharks

Gujarat Police will conduct a drive against unscrupulous moneylenders, who charge exorbitant interest and hound people, between January 5 and January 31, said a statement from state DGP Ashish Bhatia.

The decision was taken in the wake of several recent incidents, where victims committed suicide due to harassment by moneylenders.

Bhatia on Tuesday addressed a video-conference with all city police commissioners, SPs and heads of all police branches.

The additional DG of CID (crime) will monitor cases of harassment and violence by moneylenders.

Police will also hold meetings in various areas from where complaints of harassment by moneylenders are usually filed.

Police are also likely to invoke the PASA (Prevention of Anti-Social Activities) Act against moneylenders.

Police officers said complaints are often filed about usurious interest rates, between 10% and 20% a month. In many cases, moneylenders charge extortionate penalties and daily interest.