Eviction of Drought-Affected Farmer Sparks Outrage in Amravati
A landless farmer in Amravati faces homelessness after defaulting on a housing loan amid severe drought conditions.
Vivek Ramekar's family evicted over ₹3.5 lakh loan default.
Community raises ₹20,000 for the family but eviction proceeds.
Local MLA demands investigation into loan recovery practices.
In a distressing incident in Amravati, a landless farmer, Vivek Duryodhan Ramekar, has been rendered homeless after a housing finance company sealed his home due to a loan default of ₹3.5 lakh. The eviction occurred on Wednesday night, leaving Ramekar, his elderly mother, wife, and children to live on the streets, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing drought in the region.
Ramekar, 43, had taken out a home loan of ₹2.57 lakh in 2018, with a monthly repayment of ₹4,000. Despite paying over ₹3 lakh, he claims the finance company demanded ₹3.94 lakh, including interest, before lifting the seal on his home. The family, reliant on daily wage earnings, has been severely affected by the drought, struggling to meet basic needs and fearing for their future. Ramekar expressed despair, stating, "We will die by suicide if we don’t get justice."
In a show of solidarity, villagers from Khodgaon raised ₹20,000 to assist Ramekar's family and appealed to the loan officials for more time to settle the outstanding amount. However, their efforts were in vain as the company proceeded with the eviction. Local sarpanch Yogesh Nemade and deputy sarpanch Atul Kharode voiced their concerns over the harsh actions taken against the family, emphasizing the community's support.
Chetan Ghurde, the collection manager of the finance company, defended the eviction, stating it was executed following a directive from the chief judicial magistrate of Amravati. The family's plight has drawn criticism from local leaders, including Daryapur MLA Gajanan Lawate, who condemned the eviction as inhumane. He has called for an investigation into the loan recovery methods and the interest rates imposed by the finance company, urging the district collector to take appropriate action.
As the Ramekar family faces an uncertain future, the situation underscores the broader implications of financial distress in drought-affected areas. The local community's response and the political outcry may prompt a reevaluation of lending practices and support systems for vulnerable families in similar circumstances. The ongoing drought continues to exacerbate the challenges faced by many in the region, raising urgent questions about the balance between financial obligations and basic human rights.
