Vasai-Virar: Debt Collection Nightmare: Vasai Policeman Threatened by Axis Bank Agents
Vasai, 10th December 2023: Axis Bank loan recovery agents are facing charges of extortion as the Vasai police register a case against them for making severe threats, including job loss and street eviction, to a police officer. Despite being aware of the police’s involvement, the debt recovery agents continued issuing threats.
The issue sheds light on the pervasive problem of bullying and harassment by debt collectors when loan instalments become overdue. Such threats have, in the past, led to extreme consequences, including instances of individuals taking their own lives. The recent case involves an employee of Vasai Police Station who had taken a personal loan of six and a half lakhs from Axis Bank but could not pay three instalments due to personal reasons.
The policeman and his family, as well as his colleagues at the police station, started receiving threatening calls demanding the outstanding loan amount. Surprisingly, even after realizing they were threatening a police officer, the recovery agents continued making abusive calls, stating they would cause job loss and financial ruin.
The Vasai police have registered a case against individuals, including women, who made threatening calls from eight different mobile numbers associated with Axis Bank. Charges have been filed under sections 385 (Putting a person in fear of injury to commit extortion), 387(Putting a person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, to commit extortion), 186(Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), and 504(Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506(Punishment for criminal intimidation) of extortion. The threatening calls have been ongoing since November 1.
Senior Police Inspector Ranjit Andhale emphasized that bullying by debt collection agents is a significant issue, not just limited to police officers. The case is not only about threats to the police but highlights the harassment faced by common citizens. The police are committed to investigating the matter thoroughly and taking action against all involved, including the bank, since the agents were appointed by Axis Bank.
