Alleging harassment by bank, couple attempts suicide outside Vidhana Soudha

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The city police thwarted an attempt by a couple to immolate themselves in front of the Vidhana Soudha here on Wednesday after alleging torture by a bank.

The couple was identified as 48-year-old Shaista Banu and her husband Mohammad Munayedulla, residents of Padarayanapura in Jagajeevanram Nagar Police Station limits in Bengaluru.

According to sources, the family of eight members including children held a silent protest by holding out several documents to back their claims on Wednesday morning.

Upon inquiry by the police, the family alleged that they were being tortured and harassed by the Bangalore City Cooperative Bank in Chamrajpet.

They aslo alleged that their efforts to reach out to the Minister for Housing and Wakf Zameer Ahmad Khan, went in vain.

Speaking to New Trail, Munayedulla alleged that their house was auctioned by a bank due to unpaid loan, pushing them towards this drastic step.

"We had taken a loan of Rs 50 lakh in 2016 from the Co-operative Bank here for ginger cultivation. We had repaid Rs 97 lakh, including the interest amount but the bank proceeded to auction our house. The house, valued at Rs 3 crore, was sold for a mere Rs 1.41 crore, as the bank argued that the loan was still outstanding," alleged Munayedulla.

After making the statement to the media, the couple suddenly took out the bottles containing kerosene and poured it over their heads.

Before they could take further action, the police personnel present at the spot thwarted their actions and took them into custody.

Following the high drama, the police lodged a case against the couple under IPC Sections 309 for attempt to suicide and 290 for creating public nuisance.