The state government’s crackdown on illegal moneylenders seems to be bearing fruit, with 134 first incident reports having already been filed against 226 usurers since it began on June 21.
The drive, launched by the state’s home department in all cities and districts and focusing on the The Gujarat Money Lenders Act 2011, will continue until the end of July. So far, 32,000 people have participated in 568 Lok Darbars (public forums).
Sharing the information, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said that the event is aimed at breaking the vicious cycle binding borrowers and illegal lenders.
The Lok Darbars provided a platform for victims to express their grievances directly to high-ranking police officials, including Inspectors General, Superintendents, and Deputy Superintendents of Police. These officers personally addressed complaints and took immediate action to save many victims and help recover their life savings.
Sanghavi emphasized that the Gujarat Police has been instructed to ensure no unauthorized moneylender escapes action, while also safeguarding innocent individuals from false accusations. The drive’s objective is not merely to increase complaint numbers but to register valid complaints and take strict legal action, including recovering extorted money from usurers.
Sanghavi added that if the police fail to register a complaint, citizens can approach the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department or even the Minister of State for Home’s office for action.