Predatory loan apps continue to exploit vulnerable individualsHarassment and humiliation overRs 2,000 loan pushes newlywed to suicide

In a heartrending tragedy that has shocked the Dandubazar community, a 21-year-old fisherman, who got married only on October 20, took his life on December 7 after falling victim to the relentless harassment of fraudulent loan app operators. The young man had borrowed just Rs 2,000, repaying it promptly, but the harassment didn’t end. Operators demanded additional interest and escalated their abuse by morphing photos of him and his family and sharing them with his relatives via WhatsApp. Unable to bear the humiliation, he tragically ended his life.
On December 12, the grieving family lodged a complaint with Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi, bringing the issue of loan apps back into focus and igniting public outrage. This tragedy mirrors a similar case from two years ago in Gajuwaka, where a young woman also committed suicide after facing harassment from loan app operators. In response, police identified 204 fraudulent apps and made multiple arrests. Yet, these predatory platforms continue to exploit vulnerable individuals despite ongoing efforts to curb their activities.
Loan app operators often entice victims with unsolicited messages offering instant loans. By clicking the provided link, users unwittingly grant access to their phone contacts and photo gallery, permissions buried in the app’s “terms and conditions”. Harassment begins almost immediately, with threats to morph photos or contact the victim’s network to extort money.
In a recent incident, a woman from Yendada Panorama Hills received a message offering a Rs 30,000 loan. Out of curiosity, she clicked the link and was shocked to find Rs 1,240 credited to her account. She soon faced demands for Rs 20,000, and when she resisted, the operators morphed her photos and shared them with her contacts. Despite eventually paying, she reported the incident to the police.
Cybercrime officials, under Shankhabrata Bagchi, are stepping up efforts to tackle this menace. “Loan apps are deceptive traps that can cause lifelong issues,” cautioned Cybercrime Circle Inspector K. Bhavani Prasad. “Avoid responding to unsolicited messages or links offering loans. We are conducting awareness programmes to educate the public and prevent further tragedies.”
Apps like Shuttle Loan, Easy Loan, Crazy Bee, Cash Neem, and Rupee Tiger have been flagged as fraudulent. Citizens are urged to steer clear of these platforms and report harassment to the police immediately.
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