Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh Police have claimed to have busted a massive blackmail racket involving several politicians, businessmen and government officials in the state. So far police have arrested over eighty people in connection with racket which is also accused for forcing the women borrowers into flesh trade.
What is Call money scheme:
Under this scheme people were offered easy and instant loan in just one phone call. The loan was offered at a massive interest rate ranging from 60% to 200 %. Lenders accepted house, vehicles and other properties as guarantees for the loan. The borrowers were expected to repay the amount in a stipulated time.
What if one failed to repay on time: Borrowers has to face harassment, coercion and blackmailing in case of failure to repay on time. In some case they were also forced into flesh trade. Also Read: Two YSRC MLAs suspended; House adjourned over 'call money' issue
One of the victims revealed that she was being threatened by the lenders that her children will be abducted of she failed to repay the amount.
In her complaint with the Vijayawada police, another victim told that she alongwith her daughter, was forced into flesh trade when she failed to repay the loan.
Acting on her complaint, police have arrested 12 people alongwith the main accused, who is a government servant. Two of them have been booked for rape.
About racket: Racket is expected to have involvement of several powerful politicians and businessmen all over the state.The racket is estimated to be worth Rs 700 crores.
Chandrababu Naidu under pressure to act: With the growing pressure from the opposition party YSR Congress, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is under immense pressure to act against the accused. With the initial probe suggesting the involvement of several party leaders, Naidu has ordered a judicial probe into the matter under a retired judge of the high court.
