Kozhikode: The postmortem for a housewife found dead during bank seizure proceedings in Perambra is scheduled for today. Kavitha, the wife of Babu from Koothali Koyyodankandi, was found dead in their old house adjacent to their current residence. The incident occurred when bank officials and police arrived at the house to initiate seizure proceedings due to loan default.
Relatives allege that the bank's harsh measures and the refusal to grant additional time for loan repayment caused severe mental distress to Kavitha. The family claims they had requested a few extra days to settle the arrears, but the bank officials did not agree. According to them, it was this resultant emotional turmoil that led to Kavitha’s death. However, no official confirmation regarding the cause of death has been received yet.
The family states that the initial loan amount was Rs 17 lakh. Due to the financial crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, repayments were halted. Subsequently, with the addition of interest and other liabilities, the amount due increased to Rs 50 lakh, according to relatives. After negotiations and a settlement discussion with the bank, the outstanding amount was reduced to Rs 37 lakh. The bank reportedly demanded an immediate payment of Rs 5 lakh.
The family was unable to arrange such a large sum on short notice and requested more time to gather the money, which the bank officials allegedly denied. When bank officials and police came to enforce seizure procedures, Kavitha was found dead in the old house.
Following the incident, locals and family members protested against the bank authorities. There are serious allegations that bank officials did not take steps to transport Kavitha to the hospital after she was found. However, there has been no official verification regarding the truth of these claims.
The bank has yet to provide any explanation about the incident or the allegations raised by the family. Kavitha's postmortem will begin at 10 a.m. today. Upon completion, the body will be handed over to the relatives.
Relatives allege that the financial stress related to loan repayment and the seizure proceedings had caused significant mental pressure on the family. Further clarity is needed regarding the circumstances leading to Kavitha’s death and the allegations levelled against the bank.
n
Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
