Seeking refuge amidst firewood; Human Rights Commission initiates case

MALAPPURAM: The Human Rights Commission has initiated a voluntary case against a six-member family from the Scheduled Caste which includes a pregnant woman. They sought shelter in a shed where firewood is usually kept, after the bank seized their bed due to loan repayment defaults. The commission stated that the case was registered based on a report by Kerala Kaumudi news.

K. Baiju Nath, the acting chairperson and judicial member of the commission has instructed the Malappuram District Collector to conduct an investigation into the incident and submit a report within 15 days. The case will be heard during a session at Tirur Rest House in September.

The Ponnani Urban Cooperative Bank is responsible for this harsh treatment towards the poor family. Back in 2014, Chandran of Thalasilakath Valappu in Alamcode had taken a loan of Rs. 3 lakhs. Due to economic hardships and the impact of COVID-19, the loan repayments were delayed. He attempted to sell the house to settle the debt but his efforts were in vain. As the non-payment extended to five and a half lakh rupees which included outstanding amounts the bank initiated foreclosure procedures. Just four days ago, officials arrived and forced him out of the house. Subsequently, they sought shelter in a shed where firewood is usually stored.