Woman’s suicide over constant threat by moneylenders, husband unaware of financial dealings

KOCHI: More information surface in connection with the suicide of the woman, who faced threat from a retired policeman and his wife in the name of non-payment of interest. The victim is Asha (46), wife of Benny of Pulikathara house near Pokkath Temple, Kottuvally South, Ernakulam. She was upset over constant threats from retired police driver Pradeep Kumar of Kottuvally and his wife Bindu.

Her husband Benny told media that he was unaware of her financial dealings. He also clarified that he came to know about it when she first attempted suicide. Footage of Pradeep Kumar and his wife Bindu threatening Asha in the police station has also emerged.

In the four-page suicide note, Asha details about the threat. Her note said that Pradeep Kumar and Bindu threatened her even after she paid double the amount borrowed and they had also tried to blemish her children. The family handed over the suicide note to the Paravur police.

In 2022, Asha had borrowed Rs 10 lakh from Bindu for the construction of her house. She borrowed the money after promising the pay the interest for the amount. Although she returned double the amount, they threatened her again demanding money. Following this, Asha had attempted suicide on August 11 by cutting the veins of her wrist. When she returned home after three days of treatment, Pradeep Kumar along with his wife asked her to write on a promissory note that she owes Rs 18 lakh. Asha did not agree to this.

As the threat continued, a complaint was filed with the Aluva SP. The SP instructed the Paravur Circle Inspector to investigate the incident. The police then summoned both parties and advised them to approach the court if they had a dispute and not to create problems by going to Asha's house. However, at 8 pm on Monday, Pradeep Kumar and Bindu came to Asha's house again and created problems. Relatives said that even after Asha called the helpline number 112, the police did not arrive.

Asha went out on Tuesday afternoon when her daughter was alone at home. After not seeing her after a long time, her daughter went to the nearby river and found her slippers there. Her body was found in the search by the fire force. The body is in the mortuary of Paravur Taluk Hospital. She leaves behind her children Godson (Tata Motors, Cheranallur), Jeevani (student).