Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet https://himachalscape.com/
Solan, Oct 31,
Continuing their ongoing crackdown on loan defaulters of the Baghat Cooperative Bank, the Solan Police have arrested yet another accused, Prem Nath Jaswal, a resident of Shanti Niwas, Sunny Side, Solan, for defaulting on a bank loan amounting to ₹16.63 lakh, including interest.
According to Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, the Court of the Collector-cum-Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Solan, had issued an arrest warrant under Section 75(A) of the Land Revenue Act, 1954 against Jaswal. The accused had availed a loan from Baghat Bank but failed to repay it within the stipulated period. Despite repeated notices from the court, he avoided appearing before it, leading to the issuance of the warrant.
Acting swiftly on the court’s directive, a team from Police Chowki City Solan arrested Jaswal on October 29 and produced him before the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies Court, Solan.
Series of Arrests in Loan Default Cases
This latest arrest is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Cooperative Department and Solan Police to recover mounting dues from Baghat Bank defaulters. Earlier this month, police arrested two other defaulters—one from Deonghat and another from Saproon area—both of whom were facing similar non-repayment charges and had been declared wilful defaulters by the bank.
According to official sources, the Collector-cum-Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies, Solan, has so far issued arrest warrants against 22 individuals across Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts who defaulted on Baghat Bank loans. These defaulters had been repeatedly summoned by the court for recovery proceedings but failed to comply.
Out of nine defaulters residing within Solan district, police have arrested three—including Prem Nath Jaswal—and three others have surrendered voluntarily before the court. Three more accused remain absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend them.
Wider Operation Across Districts
SP Gaurav Singh further disclosed that 13 defaulters belong to Shimla and Sirmaur districts, and arrest warrants have been forwarded to the respective district police for execution. The coordinated drive aims to ensure that all cooperative loan defaulters are brought before the court for recovery under the Land Revenue Act provisions.
Baghat Cooperative Bank, headquartered in Solan, has reportedly faced growing challenges in loan recovery in recent years. Following directions from the Cooperative Department, the bank prepared a list of chronic defaulters and moved court for recovery proceedings.
Officials said that similar arrests are expected to continue in the coming days as part of the department’s effort to restore financial discipline in cooperative institutions.
SP Singh emphasized that non-repayment of cooperative loans will not be tolerated, and those attempting to evade court proceedings will face strict legal action.
“This operation reflects our commitment to enforce financial accountability and uphold the rule of law in cooperative lending,” he added.
With this, the total number of Baghat Bank defaulters arrested in Solan has risen to three, signaling a clear warning to others who continue to default on their dues.
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