A moneylender was arrested by the Avadi Central Crime Branch (CCB) on charges of collecting exorbitant interest, criminal intimidation, and assault after allegedly extorting more than ₹1.15 crore from a borrower.

According to the police, the complainant, Natarajan of Thiruvenkadam Nagar in Ambattur, stated that he had known the accused, Kalimuthu, for nearly two decades. In 2018, Natarajan allegedly borrowed ₹16.10 lakh from Kalimuthu to meet business expenses.

The police said the accused allegedly obtained a signed blank promissory note, six signed blank cheques drawn on Bank of Baroda, and three signed blank stamp papers before disbursing the loan in instalments.

The complainant alleged that between January 19, 2019, and August 13, 2025, Kalimuthu repeatedly threatened and assaulted him, forcing him to pay a total of ₹1,15,02,800. Despite receiving the amount, the accused allegedly demanded an additional ₹90 lakh by levying exorbitant compound interest.

According to the complainant, Kalimuthu also threatened to kill him if he failed to make further payments, claiming he still possessed the signed blank promissory note, around 50 blank cheques, and three signed blank stamp papers.

Following a complaint submitted to the Avadi Police Commissioner, the Avadi Central Crime Branch registered a case, investigated the allegations, and arrested Kalimuthu. Further investigation is under way.

Published - August 01, 2026 12:11 am IST