Justice remains elusive for Saptari couple caught in usury trap

For three years, Chhutharu Miya and his wife Sadina Khatun have navigated Nepal's bureaucratic maze, seeking justice for land they say was unjustly seized through predatory lending. The couple from Saptari carries a thick file of documents to the District Administration Office, hoping for the return of their property.

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We have spent three years running from one office to another seeking justice. We still have no idea when, or even whether, we will get our land back. Even when we stay home, the fear of losing our land never leaves us.

Their troubles began in 2015 when they borrowed Rs200,000, signing a note for Rs300,000 and transferring ownership of land as collateral. A second loan in 2019 for Rs280,000 led to more land being transferred. Chhutharu claims they repaid both loans, with significant payments made towards the principal and interest, yet the land remains with the lenders.

"We have spent three years running from one office to another seeking justice," Chhutharu said. "We still have no idea when, or even whether, we will get our land back. Even when we stay home, the fear of losing our land never leaves us." He expressed hope that the government's agreement with victims would bring relief, but the anxiety persists.

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I come here thinking maybe someone will understand the plight of poor people and help us. We heard the government has reached an agreement with the victims. We still hope justice will come.

Chhutharu joined a protest march from Janakpur to Kathmandu demanding action against predatory moneylenders. While a delegation continued to the capital after talks with the Home Minister, his return home offered little solace. "I still cannot sleep because I keep worrying about our land," he admitted.

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I still cannot sleep because I keep worrying about our land.