Belagavi district in-charge and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi revealed that nearly 15,000 women were victims of a massive microfinance scam, with the fraud estimated at ₹100 crore. Speaking to the media in Belagavi on Tuesday, he announced the formation of a three-member police team to investigate the scam, which involved around 40 microfinance companies operating through self-help groups (SHGs).
According to initial reports, the women were misled into taking loans under their names, with promises of substantial amounts or subsidies. Instead, the money was not disbursed to them, and their signatures were exploited. Minister Jarkiholi said middlemen who played a pivotal role in convincing these women would be detained and questioned.
He also directed the microfinance companies to refrain from pressuring the victims for repayment, ensuring that the women are not further harassed. The investigation team has been tasked with submitting a report within a week.
The scam reportedly involved 4-5 women at its core, who spearheaded the fraudulent operations. Several of the accused have already been taken into custody.
Regarding the Bhalki contractor suicide case, Jarkiholi clarified that while contractor Santosh Patil had explicitly named Minister K.S. Eshwarappa in his suicide note during the BJP’s tenure, no such mention was made of Minister Priyank Kharge in the recent case. He urged patience until the investigation reveals the truth, dismissing demands for immediate resignations.
On the issue of waste management in Belagavi, Jarkiholi mentioned plans to establish four waste segregation units, with a meeting to address the issue expected soon. MLA Asif (Raju) Sait was also present during the briefing.
