Plea to revive Operation Kubera

A demand has been raised for the revival of Operation Kubera to address illegal money lending and curb loan shark networks in the State.

In recent years, innumerable families were affected by high-interest lending by illegal finance operators and online loan apps. Reports of suicides linked to debt burden, along with complaints of threats and harassment, were reported. Borrowers who default are allegedly subjected to intimidation, public shaming on social media and repeated calls to family members.

Those affected include workers, vendors, small traders, farmers, fishermen, auto and taxi drivers, expatriate families, women, students and pensioners. Many families are facing financial distress.

The Operation Kubera, carried out during the Oommen Chandy-led United Democratic Front government, was earlier used to take action against illegal money lending.

The present demand seeks similar action through special police teams to identify and act against illegal lending networks and online loan fraud groups.

K.U. Irshad, district committee member of the National Janata Dal, Palakkad, submitted a representation to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking revival of Operation Kubera.