The probe committee formed to investigate and resolve the problems of loan shark victims has received as many as 21,000 complaints of usury.

The committee received complaints from 67 districts but a large number of victims are from nine districts in the Terai region.

The commission, on April 27, issued a notice requesting victims to lodge complaints against loan sharks through their respective district administration offices with any evidence they have.

After several protests from loan shark victims in Kathmandu demanding strict against loan sharks, a committee was formed under supervision of Gauri Bahadur Karki, former Special Court Chairperson.

“We received a total of 21,500 complaints out of which 19689 complaints are from nine districts of Terai region. Although there are complaints in hill districts too, the numbers are very low”, said Karki.

The commission informed that a taskforce has been formed under the supervision of the Assistant Chief District Officer in each district who will mediate between the alleged loan sharks and the victims to find a solution.

On May 3, an ordinance was introduced to criminalise loan sharking and has a provision of jailing loan sharks for up to seven years along with a maximum fine of up to NRs 70,000.