Ambedkar Banner Vandalised, Child Harassed Over Microloan Default
Two separate incidents in Mysuru district have sparked outrage — one involving the defacement of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s portrait, and another highlighting violent microfinance recovery practices.
In Vajamangala village, Varuna police arrested two men, Rangegowda of Kokrehundi and Vasanth Kumar of Solanahalli, for allegedly defacing a banner and nameplate featuring Ambedkar’s portrait. The banner had been installed near Keerthi Kumar’s house by local leaders on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti. Police believe the act was intended to tarnish Kumar’s image after a personal dispute. The vandalism on April 18 led to widespread protests by Dalit organizations, demanding justice and swift arrests.
In a disturbing incident from Jalahalli village in T. Narasipura taluk, a 7-year-old girl was reportedly harassed by microfinance recovery agents from Private Micro Finance over a delayed repayment of just ₹1,280. Her parents, Naveen and Pramila, had borrowed ₹30,000 and had been repaying it for over a year. A four-day delay this month allegedly triggered intimidation from agents.
According to reports, the agents coerced the child into guiding them to her mother, threatening to “lock her up” unless payment was made immediately. The incident, which occurred four days ago, came to light during a Mysuru Children’s Committee operation, exposing blatant violations of child rights and lending regulations.
The events have raised serious questions about law enforcement, caste respect, and financial oversight in the region.
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