Hyderabad, March 2 Four individuals, described as "illegal" money lenders, were arrested on Monday for allegedly abetting the suicide of a three-member family after harassing and threatening them over loan repayment, police said.
A 54-year-old man, his wife (50), and their 24-year-old son were found dead at their residence in Amberpet in the early hours of February 24.
A case was registered under Section 194 of the BNSS.
During the investigation, suicide notes were recovered from the scene, which contained demands and harassment by the four illegal lenders. Their harassment led to the suicide of three persons, a release from the Hyderabad Police said.
Through suicide letters and statements from family members and witnesses, it was revealed that the deceased were facing severe financial harassment from certain money lenders over a loan amount of Rs 57 lakh taken for operating "Biryani" hotels, police said.
The accused collected high interest rates daily and forcibly obtained blank cheques, promissory notes, and original land documents as collateral security from the victims. They repeatedly threatened and humiliated the deceased over the phone, police said.
Call Data Records confirmed that on the night of the suicide (February 23-24), the accused contacted and threatened the family with dire consequences, demanding loan repayment, police said.
Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, the relevant section of law (abetment to suicide) was invoked, and the four accused were apprehended.
During interrogation, the accused admitted to lending money at high interest rates and pressuring the deceased family members for repayment, police said.
The continuous harassment, unlawful financial pressure, threats, and humiliation caused severe mental trauma to the deceased family members, which led to their suicide, the release said.
Further investigation is ongoing.