Book microfinance brass if farmers face recovery harassment: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai: Days after a farmer was found dead in a microfinance company's office, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that his government has instructed police officials to book senior officials (top management) of the microfinance companies if they harass farmers to pay back their dues. Fadnavis said he has asked RBI to tell microfinance companies not to take coercive steps and if such steps are taken, then the government will take action against such companies.

"All superintendents of police have been instructed to immediately file a case if anyone (microfinance companies) is found harassing any farmer for repayment of dues. We have told them that if they find that microfinance companies are threatening or using force against farmers, they should take action and file a case against their top officials. The state government has taken a decision in this regard," said the chief minister.

Fadnavis' strong warning to microfinance companies comes in the backdrop of an incident at Nanded where a farmer was found dead in the office of a microfinance firm.


The farmer, who owed ₹10,000, was taken from his home by the microfinance company officials last week. A few days later, on Saturday, he was found hanging from the ceiling fan in the firm's office. The farmer's family has filed a case of abduction and murder, claiming that the firm's men kidnapped him from his home to recover the money, killed him and then staged his death as a suicide to cover the crime.

Fadnavis said: "The unfortunate incident that happened in Nanded has raised serious issues... Hence, we are taking these steps."