Eviction of children at Muvattupuzha: LDF govt acts tough after facing backlash

Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan
Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan

Muvattupuzha: Following criticism from all quarters, including activists of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the Kerala government has initiated action against the cooperative bank officials who had evicted two minor girl children who were alone in their house at Pezhakkappally in Muvattupuzha by force after their father had defaulted on loan repayment.

Based on instructions from Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan, the Registrar for Cooperatives conducted a preliminary inquiry, following which the CEO of Muvattupuzha Urban Cooperative Bank Jose K Peter submitted his resignation. Soon, bank chairman Gopi Kottamurikkal, in a Facebook post, announced that the CEO’s resignation was accepted.

Meanwhile, Vasavan, who is in Kannur as part of the CPM Party Congress, said that the eviction of children and locking their house went against the state government’s policies. “Bank officials acted contrary to the rules. The initial probe by the Registrar found that an official of the bank had ordered his subordinates to lock the house after evicting the children,” he said.

“When attachment of small properties measuring three or four cents is to be carried out, alternative arrangements for accommodating the residents have to be made,” said Vasavan, explaining the government’s policy on the matter.

The Registrar’s report also said that officials of the cooperative bank – which is controlled by the CPM - had violated government policy.

CITU’s response to Ajesh
Earlier, on Monday, staff of the bank who are members of the CITU-affiliated Cooperative Employees Union had pooled money and repaid the loan availed by Ajesh, the house owner. However, Ajesh rejected the offer as Mathew Kuzhalnadan, the Congress MLA representing Muvattupuzha, had on Saturday promised to clear the dues. Subsequently, Kuzhalnadan submitted a formal letter to the bank in this regard on Monday morning.

“CITU members among the bank employees have already repaid the amount and closed the loan account. So, the question of whether Ajesh accepts our offer or not does not arise,” said C P Anil, district secretary of the union.

“However, if Ajesh is so particular about rejecting our gesture, he can transfer the loan amount we had cleared to the union’s account,” the CITU leader said.

“We can utilize the money to help others in need,” he added.

Kerala Bank denies role
In a related development, the chief executive officer of Kerala Bank P S Rajan refuted allegations in social media that Kerala Bank had a role in the eviction incident at Muvattupuzha.

“Apart from following the restructuring programme formulated by the Reserve Bank of India, the Kerala Bank implements one-time settlement for people facing difficulties in repaying loans after considering their financial status,” he said.

“Moreover, Kerala Bank’s board members and staff have cleared the loans of over 30 customers who could not repay the amount owing to severe disease and other serious situations,” Rajan added.

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