G Balan, 40, was beaten up by the police and his tractor taken away by bank authorities after a court order.
A 40-year-old farmer in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur, who was beaten up by the police and his tractor taken away by bank authorities after he faulted on his loan due to a failed crop, has found help from Tamil actor Karunakaran. The actor on Friday transferred Rs 1,30,000 to the bank account of the farmer G Balan, the amount that was due to the bank.
The farmer's plight was captured on camera by a witness. The video shows the farmer being assaulted by policemen.
His wife, B Keerthana said, "We borrowed Rs.3.4 lakh in 2011 and have already paid Rs. 4.1 lakhs including interest. Due to a failed crop we couldn't pay the pending last two instalments. Vijay Mallaya owes hundreds of crores, he's let off. We poor farmers are harassed".
After NDTV reported their plight on Thursday, giving Mr Balan's bank details, Mr Karunakaran tweeted to say he would transfer the money into the couple's account.
"I come from Thanjavur and I can imagine Balan's crops loss situation. For every film I sign up, I help someone in need. This time I'm happy its Balan," he said today. Another Tamil actor Vishal has offered to pay off another loan Mr Balan owes's other loan through the Artists' Association.
For the traumatised farmer, the last few days have been an emotional roller coster: From his tractor being taken away after a failed crop and now, his debts paid off. "My family is grateful to Karuna, his wife and Vishal and the media," he told NDTV.
The state police authorities have transferred the three constables seen assaulting the him in the video, after a public outcry and a human rights violation notice from the National Human Rights Commission to the Tamil Nadu government.