Women harassed by private banks, protests erupt in Amalapuram

Andhra Pradesh: Alleging harassment, abuse, and even deaths due to exploitative private loan recovery practices, several civil and Dalit organizations staged a protest on Monday in front of the Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector’s office in Amalapuram, demanding urgent government action.

Protest led by Dalit and public welfare organizations

In a coordinated demonstration, leaders and members of KVPS, CPM, CITU, Dalit Sena, and other public interest groups gathered in front of the Collector’s office. They raised strong objections to the aggressive and illegal tactics used by private banks in recovering loans from Dalits and marginalized families.

Speaking at the dharna, CPM District Convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, KVPS District Convener Shettibathula Tulasi Rao, and CITU leaders G Durga Prasad and N Balaram highlighted a disturbing trend of coercion, humiliation, and even physical violence by private banking agents.

Victims of high-interest loans and violent recovery practices

The leaders accused private entities such as Five Star, RBL Card, Kotak Mahindra Card, SBI Card, Maximum Bank, Coastal Bank, Mahindra Finance, Shriram Chits, Bandhan Bank, and Tata Capital of targeting poor Dalit families. Loans were allegedly sanctioned at exorbitant interest rates under the pretext of helping them meet essential needs like healthcare, education, and housing.

Many recipients, unable to repay such crushing dues, have been driven to desperation. The protestors cited the suicide of Geddam Manikumari, a Dalit Anganwadi worker from Tadikona in Allavaram mandal, as a tragic outcome of this unchecked exploitation.

Allegations of physical harassment by recovery agents

In a shocking revelation, protestors claimed that women borrowers, particularly from Dalit and backward communities, have faced intimidation and harassment at the hands of bank agents. One such case involved Viparthi Mohan Rao, a Dalit youth from Pallankurru village in Katrenikona mandal, who was reportedly assaulted by Mahindra Finance staff.

Women have also reported late-night harassment, with agents allegedly waiting outside homes until midnight, resorting to intimidation, verbal abuse, and even sexual harassment. “They threaten us, expose themselves, and mentally torture us in front of our children,” said one victim during the protest.

Demand for urgent government intervention

The protesters urged the District Collector to immediately convene a meeting with representatives of all private financial institutions operating in the district. They demanded stringent regulations, a ban on coercive collection tactics, and legal action against those involved in harassment or abuse.

Dalit Sena District President David Ambedkar, along with victims like Geddam Yesuraju, Viparthi Mohan Rao, and others including Geddam Bhimla, Geddam Libni, Dasari Ashok Sri, and Kombattula Dhanush, participated in the protest and submitted a memorandum demanding justice.