Man Made To Pay 10% Interest Per Month For 3.8 Lakhs Loan, Dies By Suicide

In a case of alleged usury and harassment, a 33-year-old small entrepreneur, Vikram, died by suicide in Puducherry, after he was unable to cope with relentless pressure from private moneylenders charging exorbitant interest. Vikram, who also worked at a chicken shop to support his family, had become immobile after an accident-leaving him unable to repay loans.

According to police sources, Vikram left a suicide note naming several moneylenders who, he said, drove him to take the extreme step. The letter mentions shocking instances of harassment and alleged exploitation, including a deeply offensive demand by one moneylender, who allegedly told Vikram to send his wife and daughter to his house until the dues were cleared.

In the note, Vikram reportedly wrote that for a loan of Rs 3.8 lakh, he was paying Rs 38,000 per month as interest, a staggering 10% monthly interest rate. Another moneylender, he alleged, demanded Rs 6,000 in interest every month for a Rs 30,000 loan.

The harassment reportedly intensified after Vikram became bedridden following the accident, pushing him and his family into a spiral of debt, fear, and desperation.

Vikram was a local functionary of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political outfit recently launched by actor Vijay. In his note, he made a heart-wrenching appeal to the actor to look after his wife and daughter, underscoring the depth of his helplessness.

Police have launched an investigation into the allegations and are verifying the identities and activities of the named moneylenders. No arrests have been made so far.

The case has reignited concerns over unchecked usury in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where informal lending networks often operate beyond legal limits, especially targeting small entrepreneurs and vulnerable families.

Authorities have promised a thorough probe, and Vikram's death has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for immediate action to curb illegal moneylending and provide justice to the victim's family.

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3 Indians Kidnapped Amid Attacks By Al Qaeda-Linked Terror Group In Mali

India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali amid a series of terrorist attacks in various parts of the West African country.

A day after the Indians were abducted, New Delhi on Wednesday called upon the Mali government to take all necessary measures to secure their "safe and expeditious" release.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its "deep concern" regarding the abduction of Indians, employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

"The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages," the MEA said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the kidnappings.

Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks across Mali on Tuesday.

The MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in "close and constant" communication with the relevant authorities, local law enforcement agencies as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory.

It said the mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals.

"The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals," the MEA said in a statement.

"Senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian nationals," it said.

The MEA also advised all Indians currently residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.

The ministry said it will extend all possible support to Indians and "remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest". PTI MPB KVK KVK

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"This Amount Is Nothing...": Hasin Jahan's Big Comment On Shami's Alimony

Cricketer Mohammed Shami's estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, has said that Calcutta High Court directions to the Indian pacer to pay her and daughter a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance is a "victory" for her after "a long battle". Calcutta High Court has directed Indian pacer Mohammed Shami to pay his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan, and daughter a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance. Jahan will have to be paid Rs 1.50 lakh per month, while the daughter will get Rs 2.50 lakh per month. Jahan, a former model, married Mohammed Shami in 2014.

The couple had a daughter in 2015. Mohammed Shami and Hasin Jahan separated in 2018 after she accused him of domestic violence. They have been in the midst of a divorce case since and legal battle regarding alimony.

"I am thankful to God that I finally got victory after fighting such a long battle... Now I will be able to give my daughter a good education and maintain her life easily... If you see the life Shami leads, the status he maintains, his earnings, this amount is nothing in comparison to that... We had demanded Rs 10 lakhs from the court around seven years ago. Since then, Shami's income and inflation have both increased," Hasin Jahan said.

"The status with which he leads his life, my daughter and I also have the right to maintain the same status," she added.

Jahan's advocate Imtiaz Ahmed confirmed on Wednesday that Shami will be required to pay a monthly alimony of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance to Jahan and said there is a high chance the maintenance might be upgraded to Rs 6 lakh.

Imtiaz Ahmed said it was "the best moment" for Hasin Jahan.

"From 2018 to 2024, she had been running from pillar to post. Ultimately, it was pronounced in open court yesterday that Rs 1.5 lakh would be provided for Hasin Jahan, Rs 2.5 lakh for the daughter (both to be paid monthly), and that any time the daughter requires assistance, it would be provided by Mohammed Shami," he said.

"The High Court has directed the trial court to dispose of the main application of the interim order within six months. There is a high chance that when they return to the trial court to conclude the hearing on maintenance, it might be upgraded to Rs 6 lakh because the claim of Hasin Jahan in her maintenance application was for Rs 7 lakh and Rs 3 lakh," he added.

Earlier, in 2018, Hasin Jahan had accused the cricketer of domestic violence. She had filed a petition in the Alipore court, accusing Shami and his family of harassing her. Jahan had demanded Rs 7 lakh per month from the pacer to maintain the family.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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BCCI Shoots Off Stern Letter To RCB Over Bengaluru Stampede

IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have landed in further trouble after BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics Officer Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra directed the franchise, along with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), to file written submissions over gross negligence during the team's victory celebrations in Bengaluru, which led to the death of 11 people. The Ombudsman has granted RCB and KSCA four weeks to respond, following an official complaint filed by IPS officer Vikas Kumar. PTI is in possession of a copy of the Ombudsman's directive.

The complainant has also urged the Ombudsman to bar the current owners from selling the franchise until the investigation into the tragedy is complete.

"Looking at the gravity of the incident, it is considered appropriate that the Karnataka (State) Cricket Association, as well as the concerned franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore be asked to submit their written replied to the complaint," Justice Mishra wrote in his directive.

"This complaint has been filed in relation to the unfortunate stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 04.06.2025. Complaint alleges gross negligence and violation of safety norms by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. Complainant submits that accountability must be fixed. Prayer has been made for the suspension of the RCB franchise and for invalidating ongoing sale negotiations." Justice (Retired) Mishra in his directive also mentioned that complainant Kumar would get 10 days time to give a rejoinder to the respondents.

"Let the KSCA and RCB file their respective written replies to the complaint within four weeks, with copy to the complainant as well. Showing cause why the reliefs prayed for and specified in rules be not granted. Rejoinder if any may be filed within 10 days thereafter with copy to the respondents." One of the possible reasons for seeking a written explanation from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be the growing speculation within IPL circles that the franchise is considering a sale, with the current owners allegedly attempting to distance themselves from the recent tragedy.

"Apprehension has been expressed that the franchise may be attempting to distance itself from accountability and possibly offload ownership to avoid potential consequences. In the meantime, status quo be maintained," it stated.

Recently the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) also deemed RCB responsible for the massive crowd gathering that led to the death of 11 fans including women and children.

The Tribunal had also quashed the Karnataka government's suspension order against senior IPS officer Kumar, who faced the action in the wake of a fatal stampede. Kumar had subsequently challenged the decision of the Karnataka State government.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"I'm Transport Minister": How Illegal Bike Taxi Op Was Exposed In Mumbai

Illegal bike taxis are not functional in Mumbai, Transport Minister of Maharashtra Pratap Sarnaik was told by a senior official. However, rather than taking this at face value, he decided to test the claim. How? He booked a ride himself from Mantralaya to Dadar using the Rapido app, using a different name.

In the next ten minutes, the bike reached his location to pick him up. He offered Rs 500 as fare to the driver of that bike while telling him that bike taxis were illegal in Mumbai. "I am the Transport Minister. These rules are for your benefit," the minister was heard saying to the visibly surprised rider.

"You came here, for that I am giving you Rs 500," he said. However, the rider refused to accept the money.

मंत्रालय येथूनचं ट्रॅप ऑपरेशन - अनधिकृत रॅपिडो बाईक टॅक्सी सेवांवर थेट कारवाई...#PratapSarnaik #TransportMinister#MaharashtraTransport #ActionAgainstIllegalBikeTaxi@rapidobikeapp pic.twitter.com/K81GiHydIb

— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) July 2, 2025

No action was taken against the rider. "We will not gain anything by filing a case against a poor person like you. But the people behind the illegal operation should be punished. That is our intention," the minister said.

The state government is yet to grant official permission to any app-based bike aggregator to operate in Maharashtra.

As per the recently announced e-bike policy, only companies that comply with specific norms to operate services in cities with a population of more than 1 lakh are allowed. The government has yet to notify the rules, which makes such services illegal.

However, when the minister asked the official to cross-check whether the illegal bike taxi application and services were operational, the official assured that the app and service were not operational. He said, in an "official" answer, that there were no unauthorised bike taxi apps in Mumbai or other cities.

Last month, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner's office lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Rapido and Uber companies at Azad Maidan police station for allegedly operating bike taxis illegally.

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India-US Trade Talks In Advanced Stage, Farm Products A Hurdle: Official

The India-US trade negotiations are at an advanced stage and a consensus on an interim deal is within reach, a key official told NDTV on Tuesday, adding that Washington's demands on agricultural products are proving to be a hurdle. 

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Executive Council Member Sunil Jain spoke to the channel on Tuesday, a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was reported as having said that agriculture and dairy are "big red lines" for India in the trade talks.

"The deal has progressed a lot and the chief negotiators of India are extending their stay in the US and trying to complete the deal. I think the two areas where the deal is getting stuck are related to agricultural products. Agriculture is the lifeline of the Indian GDP and Indian people. It is very difficult for us to import agricultural products. There are many difficulties and sensitivities involved," Mr Jain said in Hindi. 

"The second thing is that the products the US sells to us are genetically modified products, which are banned in India. Till date, no law has been enacted in India to allow these products. So, it is very difficult for us to import maize, cotton, soya, almonds, apples, etc. The US is telling us to make a deal on these products," he added.

The negotiations between India and the US entered the sixth day in Washington on Tuesday. The Indian team, headed by Rajesh Agrawal, special secretary in the Department of Commerce,  was initially scheduled to stay for two days.

The extension is important because US President Donald Trump's 26% reciprocal tariffs had been suspended for 90 days till July 9. The baseline tariffs of 10%, though, are still in place. 

"I think both countries can keep this obstacle aside and move forward with other products. For the US, exports of auto components, aluminium and steel from India are a problem. I think we should make a deal and keep some products out of it... We can debate and come to an agreement on these products after three to four months," he said. 

If this can be worked out, the executive council member said, a large part of India's exports to the US will be saved from the reciprocal tariffs, but the base tariff of 10% is likely to remain. 

"The zero tariff trade will be settled only after September-October. But, even if we work with 10% as the base tariff, it is fine for the country... If there is any bilateral trade agreement, it will have to involve give and take. So, we will move forward and America will move forward. Both are the largest democracies in the world and they will have to move together," Mr Jain said.

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Tortured For "300 Gold Sovereigns", Newlywed Woman Dies By Suicide

A 27-year-old woman, who was married only about two and a half months ago, has died by suicide after holding her husband and in-laws responsible for her decision to end her life, police said on Monday.

Just before she ended her life by consuming pesticide, the woman, Rithanya, in an audio message to her father, alleged that her husband, Kavinkumar, tortured her physically. She alleged that her father-in-law Easwaramurthy and mother-in-law Chitradevi caused her mental torture.

The victim's father alleged that her husband and in-laws demanded dowry, and problems began just about 15 days following the wedding. He told reporters that her daughter had to endure "physical, mental and monetary torture." Her in-laws harassed her, stating that her father assured "300-500 sovereigns gold" but she had brought less to her matrimonial home.

On such allegations of dowry harassment, a police officer said the accused would be charged with that offence only if the inquiry by the RDO recommends such an action.

On June 28, the woman parked her car on the roadside at Chettipudur near Sevur, about 12 kms from Avinashi in Tiruppur, and consumed poison. Local people alerted police after finding the car parked for a long time, police said.

Further, in that message, she allegedly said that her marriage to Kavin was actually a "plan." It was hatched by her husband and his family.

"It is very much a torture daily, daily; they are assaulting me mentally. Physically, he (Kavinkumar) is torturing me," she said, weeping in her message.

She said she did not think that it was possible to continue with such a life. "You (father) and mom are my world," the young woman is heard saying in the audio, adding her parents' dreams for her did not realize.

Finally, before ending her life, she sought forgiveness from her parents.

The woman's husband and his parents were arrested subsequently, and the Revenue Divisional Officer initiatedan inquiry into the death. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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TISS iCall	022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
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