Mysuru: Microfinance staff accused of taking away 7-year-old girl over Rs 1,280 loan default

A shocking case of alleged harassment by a microfinance company has emerged from Mysuru. The incident occurred in Jalahalli village of T. Narasipura taluk, where a seven-year-old girl was allegedly taken away by microfinance staff over a pending loan amount of just Rs 1,280.

Also Read:Karnataka government to introduce crowd control law after Chinnaswamy stampede

According to the victims, a couple named Naveen and Prameela had borrowed Rs 30,000 from Bajaj Microfinance to manage their household expenses. While they had been consistently repaying the loan for 13 months, a delay of just four days in the latest installment allegedly led to a severe and inhumane response from the finance company's staff.

The couple alleges that the recovery agents first verbally abused Naveen’s elderly mother. Later, they approached the young daughter, who was in a nearby village and took her away, demanding to know her mother’s whereabouts. The family claims that their daughter was effectively abducted to force repayment.

Shocked and panicked, the parents rushed to the company’s office, where they were reportedly told to pledge their wedding jewelry or arrange money immediately. Under pressure, the parents managed to collect the amount and secure their daughter’s release.

This case came to light during a routine investigation by the Mysuru Child Welfare Committee. The incident has sparked outrage among citizens, especially as it comes despite the state government's recent crackdown on aggressive microfinance recovery tactics.

Naveen, the father, has now appealed to the authorities for protection from further harassment, fearing repeated abuse in the months to come.