The Aminjikarai police have arrested a woman, V. Latha, for extortion and harassment after she coerced another woman, Rajalakshmi, into paying excessive interest on a loan

CHENNAI: The Aminjikarai police arrested a woman on charges of extortion and harassment following a complaint from another woman who faced severe intimidation and financial exploitation. The accused was also involved in two other cases, including a murder case.
The arrested woman, identified as V. Latha (58), allegedly coerced the complainant, Rajalakshmi (37), a resident of Aminjikarai, into paying exorbitant interest on a loan.
Police said that in March 2023, Rajalakshmi borrowed Rs 13 lakh from Latha to cover medical expenses for her brother, who had met with an accident. Latha initially collected Rs 78,000 as a monthly payment but later began demanding excessive interest. When Rajalakshmi was unable to meet these demands, Latha resorted to harassment, threatening both her and her mother, both verbally and physically.
On March 12, Latha and her daughter allegedly went to Rajalakshmi’s house, where they forced her to sign blank stamp papers and claimed she owed Rs 20 lakh. They also pressured her to transfer her property to them as repayment for the loan.
After months of harassment, Rajalakshmi filed a formal complaint at the Aminjikarai police station. She also reported receiving continuous threats and emotional abuse from Latha.
Following an investigation, the police arrested Latha and formally charged her with extortion, harassment, and intimidation. Officials have urged the public to report similar cases, particularly involving illegal moneylending practices.
The Commissioner of Police commended the investigating officers for their swift action in ensuring justice for the victim.