Loan recovery agents run over woman in Hazaribag, police registers FIR for murder

The family has alleged that the area manager of Mahindra Finance and the recovery agents intentionally ran over the daughter of the farmer when she tried to stop them from taking the tractor. The woman, aged 25-27 years, was pregnant and sustained injuries when she was run over by the WagonR. She later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital in Ranchi.

Some reports suggests that the woman got injured when the accused started fleeing in panic after a crowd gathered at the spot of the dispute. Police have identified one accused and are on the lookout for all four.

Earlier, Manoj Ratan Chote, the Superintendent of Police, Hazaribag, told CNBCTV18.com that four men had gone to the woman's house to recover a tractor her family had taken on loan.

"The woman tried to stop the men from taking the tractor away and started calling out for help from villagers," he said. Seeing so many people gather, the recovery agents fled in their four-wheeler, after running over the pregnant woman, he said. "An FIR has been lodged against the four men for murder. We are investigating the case," Chote added.

After the news spread, a large number of people surrounded the finance company’s office and demanded action and compensation.

Following the incident, Anish Shah, the MD & CEO of Mahindra Group, issued a statement on Twitter saying the company would investigate the incident and conduct an examination of all third-party collection agencies that have been in existence.

"We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the Hazaribag incident. A human tragedy has occurred. We will investigate this incident from all aspects and will also undertake an examination of the practice of using third-party collection agencies that has been in existence. We will extend all possible support to the authorities during the investigation into this tragic incident, above all, we stand with the family in this moment of grief," his statement read.

Quote-tweeting Shah, the Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said, "This is a terrible tragedy. I strongly support @anishshah21's statement. Our hearts go out to the family in this time of grief."