Ganjam, June 27: The Ganjam Police have cracked down on an illegal money lending operation in the Aska Police Station area, arresting Laxman Kumar Pani (56) of Mamudiha village.
Pani had been preying on local residents for years — collecting their vehicles, phones, and identity documents as collateral for unlicensed loans. He now faces charges under Sections 316(2), 318(4), and 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), registered as Aska P.S. Case No. 339 dated 26.06.2026.
At least 17 motorcycles, 18 mobile phones, Rs 31,000 in cash, 15 driving licences, 15 ATM cards and one diary containing lending records have been seized from the possession of Pani.
These items were kept by Pani from borrowers as security.
Senior police official said that those who exploit financially vulnerable people through illegal lending will face the full force of the law. Anyone with information about such activities is encouraged to contact their nearest police station, the official added.