Sat Jul 05 11:56:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Puducherry police have launched a crackdown on illegal moneylenders following two suicides linked to harassment and intimidation by loan sharks. Four individuals have been arrested for abetment of suicide under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are urging the public to report any instances of harassment or coercion by moneylenders and are providing resources for those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

**News Article:**

**Puducherry Police Crackdown on Illegal Moneylenders After Suicides**

**PUDUCHERRY, July 5, 2025** – Authorities in Puducherry have launched a major crackdown on illegal moneylending operations after two individuals tragically took their own lives, citing relentless harassment and intimidation by loan sharks. The Puducherry police have arrested four people in connection with the deaths, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards predatory lending practices.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Law and Order, R. Kalaivanan, the recent suicides prompted immediate action. The victims left behind notes accusing moneylenders of driving them to desperation through harassment and criminal intimidation.

The arrested individuals include Dhanasekar, Selvaraju, and Selvam, apprehended by the Orleanpet police, all accused of providing loans with exorbitant interest rates. The Thirukkanur police arrested Sakthival Murugan, a collection agent for a private finance firm, on charges of harassing a borrower.

The four suspects face charges under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) read with 3(5) of BNS, for abetment of suicide.

“The police will come down heavily on illegal moneylenders,” SSP Kalaivanan stated. “We have started a crackdown following complaints. Any form of harassment or coercion by moneylenders will be dealt with severely under the relevant provisions of the law.”

Police are urging the public to report any instances of harassment by moneylenders to the nearest police station or by dialing 112.

Authorities have also provided resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, including the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.

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