Women harassed by finance firm officers

March 8: Even as the world was celebrating World Women’s Day, the staff of a micro finance company allegedly harassed 15 women members of three thrift groups for over 10 hours at Bujabuja Nellore, located in the outskirts of Nellore town on Monday.

Disappearance of the group leader, Ms Mumtaz, led the victims to appear as culprits before the company representatives.

Ms Mumtaz had allegedly collected Rs 10 lakhs financed by the company from the beneficiaries by luring them with a higher interest rate.

According to information, each woman has to pay Rs 450 as installment every week towards Rs 1,00,000 borrowed from the company.

Ms Mumtaz allegedly promised them Rs 1,000 per week and took away their money.

The women alleged that the Asmitha Finance Company manager, Mr Rammohan Rao, and his staff came to them on Monday morning to collect the weekly payment and did not allow them to cook food or feed their children until the evening.

Informed by some locals about the situation, the Nellore Vth Town SI, Mr Srinivasulu Reddy, rushed to the spot and pulled up the micro finance officials for harassing the women.

He said that they would register a case if the victims give a written complaint.

Mr Reddy said that the women are in a fix because they gave the money to Ms Mumtaz anticipating higher interest.

- Lawanyaa Reddy.