Angul: These days small businessmen in Angul town are experiencing something that is not only new to them but also quite unusual.
They have been approached by four to five youths, offering them loans without any collateral or mortgage. The lenders take only the Aadhar card and mobile numbers of the interested businessmen. They are reportedly offering loan between Rs 5,000 and 25,000.
While this has created a lot of confusion and fear among the local businessmen, the police say they don’t have any information regarding this.
A group of four youths who were strangers to the local people were seen visiting from shops to shops in Angul town Monday. They had cash with them. They were even seen coaxing some businessmen who were not interested in their scheme to avail loans. They were offering loans of Rs 5,000 to 25,000. For giving away loans, they did not demand anything other than Aadhar card and mobile number.
While some businessmen received the money from them, some others refused to take loans out of fear. Those who availed of the loans were said that their boys will collect something between Rs 100 and 500 from them daily. Before leaving the spot, they handed over a receipt book with Shree Vijaya Durga written on its cover leaf.
The businessmen here are yet to make it out why their Aadhar card and mobile numbers are being taken. Are they unknowingly laying up some troubles for themselves by divulging such numbers, some wondered.
When contacted, Angul inspector-in-charge Ramesh Chandra Bisoi said they have not received any such report in this connection. If the allegation is true, then the youths will be interrogated to find out their motive, Bisoi assured.
PNN