NRI businessman steps in to rescue evicted family by paying off their loan
A 70-year-old woman and her family, who were evicted from their home in Kasaragod, Kerala, saw an unexpected relief when an NRI businessman cleared their outstanding loan of ₹1.92 lakh, prompting Kerala Bank to unseal their house, reported onmanorama.com.
NRI’s Timely Help Saves Family from Homelessness
The victim, Janaki T P, and her family—including her two young granddaughters—were locked out of their home under loan recovery proceedings. The family had spent a night in despair, but their fate changed when Unnikrishnan Nair, a UAE-based entrepreneur, stepped in.
Nair, founder of Mannath Group International, transferred ₹1,92,850 to Kerala Bank on March 20, ensuring that the house was reopened the same night. He called it his gift to the family on the International Day of Happiness.
The Eviction and Loan Struggles
Janaki’s son, Vijesh T P, had taken a ₹2 lakh farm loan in 2013 but suffered a severe accident, making it impossible to repay. Over the years, the debt soared to ₹6.5 lakh, and the bank initiated attachment proceedings under the SARFAESI Act.
On March 19, while the family was away for Janaki’s cataract check-up, Kerala Bank sealed their house and placed their belongings outside.
Government’s Stand vs Bank’s Actions
Kerala Bank is now facing backlash for allegedly defying the state government’s directive to avoid seizing homes over loan defaults. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had previously stated that banks should not evict families from their homes, but Kerala Bank proceeded with legal action regardless.
Relief Thanks to an Act of Kindness
Nair, after seeing the family’s plight on TV, contacted the bank and negotiated a settlement. The bank board, which was in session, accepted his offer, leading to the house’s reopening.
This incident has sparked discussions on loan recovery practices and the need for a more humane approach towards struggling families.
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