Tribal woman’s grit wins at last

​Hyderabad/Adilabad: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Telangana government on Tuesday honoured a tribal woman from Adilabad district Manku Bai with an award, citation for the display of unusual grit and determination in fighting a legal battle against a usurious private money lender who had grabbed her father’s land and successfully pursued the case in the Supreme Court.

According to case details, a tribal Komura Gangu belonging to Jamgam in Jainur mandal of Adilabad district borrowed Rs 1400 from Sankar Seth, a private money lender, pledging his 18 acres of land. Later, he repaid the amount along with the interest.

But Sankar Seth encroached the land denying that the Dalit had repaid the loan. He even assaulted his sons. In course of time, Gangu died and his sons threw off their hands in frustration. But, a determined Gangu’s daughter Mankubai waged relentless battles seeking the custody of the land pledged with the money lender.

The local revenue officials also sided with the private money lender, who threatened the lady with dire consequences if she did not give up her claim. But a sterner Manku Bai did not succumb to his pressure tactics. She approached the ITDA officials seeking justice. They extended her legal aid.

Talking to The Hans India, she said that she moved the Supreme Court and notched up victory over the land grabber. A generous Manku Bai parted with eight acres and gave it to her brother displaying love and affection for the brothers. Prior to getting back the land, she used to work as a casual labour. Now she is cultivating maize, cotton and wheat and earning Rs 2 lakh an year.

As everyone in the village respect her, she feels a sense of recognition and achievement. She vowed to lend support to those victimised of the private money lenders. She appeals to the government to take steps to prevent exploitation of the innocent by the private money lenders.