This Article is From Dec 18, 2015

In 'Call Money' Scam, Chandrababu Naidu Deflects Blame To YSR Congress

In 'Call Money' Scam, Chandrababu Naidu Deflects Blame To YSR Congress

Chandrababu Naidu said a special judicial commission would be constituted and victims can approach and tell their story. (File Photo)

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu turned the tables on his political opponent Jaganmohan Reddy, claiming there are more YSR Congress men than leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) involved in the so-called 'call money' sex racket.

Making a statement in the state assembly, Mr Naidu said 66 YSR Congress leaders, 20 TDP leaders and 12 Congress leaders were involved in the scandal. There are 78 other accused whose political affiliation is not known, he said.

Politics in Andhra Pradesh has been shaken by accusations this week over what has been called the 'call money' scam with Opposition leader Jaganmohan Reddy and his party lawmakers blaming the ruling party leaders over the scandal.

Mr Naidu said a special judicial commission would be constituted and victims can approach and tell their story.

Dozens of people have been arrested in the scandal which police say operated in multiple districts and involved politicians, businessmen and so-called moneylenders.

According to the police, luring people with quick loans, a network of lenders would then demand it back at any time at astronomical interest rates and if the borrower could not repay, they often took away their property. The police say that adding to the scam, women borrowers were coerced into sexual exploitation.

The racket, in which lenders demanded interest rates that were as high as 120 per cent to 200 per cent, was dubbed the 'call money scam' since victims would usually call in for money and have it delivered at their doorstep. Promissory notes and blank cheques were taken against the loans, police say.

The swindle surfaced after a woman in Vijayawada complained to the police that she was forced to give back Rs 6 lakh when she borrowed only Rs 1.5 lakh.

Police have promised swift, stern action saying there was no question of sparing anyone, irrespective of political affiliation.
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