When the lockdown dried up 24-year-old Hemanth’s income, he started borrowing on “instant loan” apps. He had no idea it would wreck his family and social standing. His wife left him, and her parents will not let her return until he wriggles out of the financial hole he has fallen into.
Hemanth has not given up, but there are others across the country who have been unable to face the humiliation and harassment from representatives of the lending apps, many of which have come under the spotlight for predatory behaviour. Telangana, in particular, has been hit hard, with at least six such suicides.