In Chandrapur, Maharashtra, a shocking scam has come to light — one that shows how financial exploitation can push the most vulnerable communities into unbearable situations.
The Scam That Shook an Entire Tribe
- The Kolam tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), became victims of an organized loan fraud. On paper, ₹100 crore worth of loans were sanctioned in their names. But in reality, most beneficiaries received only ₹10,000–₹15,000 each — a fraction of the promised amount.
- Where did the rest go? Straight into the pockets of middlemen, brokers, and corrupt officials who manipulated loan documents and siphoned off the funds.
From Fraud to Harassment
The cruel twist?
- Even though the Kolam families never received the full money, they began receiving harassment calls, loan recovery notices, and threats of legal action.
- Imagine being poor, struggling for survival, and then being blamed for loans you never truly got. That’s the daily reality many Kolam families are facing today.
Voices of Resistance
- But this time, the community decided not to stay silent.
- FIRs have been filed against those involved in the fraud.
- Local protests and rallies have drawn attention to the issue.
- Authorities have launched investigations into how such massive fraud slipped past the system.
- This fight is no longer just about unpaid loans — it’s about dignity, justice, and survival.
Why This Case Matters to All of Us
- This isn’t just a Kolam issue. Across India, countless poor families — especially farmers, women, and tribals — face harassment due to shady loan practices. Easy money comes with hidden traps: high interest, fake documents, and threats from recovery agents.
- If it can happen with crores in loans, it can happen anywhere, to anyone.
How You Can Stay Safe
Here are some practical lessons from the Kolam case:
✔ Verify before signing – Never sign blank forms or let middlemen handle your documents.
✔ Protect your identity – Don’t hand over Aadhaar, land papers, or bank details without clear purpose.
✔ Keep records – Always collect written receipts and loan agreements.
✔ Raise your voice – If you’re harassed, file a complaint with the police or the RBI Ombudsman.
Final Word
- The Kolam tribe’s story is a reminder that financial awareness is as important as financial access. Loans should empower people, not enslave them.
- As citizens, we need to demand accountability from banks, microfinance institutions, and local authorities. And as communities, we must spread awareness — so no one falls into the same trap.