A family from Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, is demanding repayment of a loan given to the British government 109 years ago. This historic incident occurred during the First World War, and experts call it extraordinary.
In 1917, the British administration in Bhopal State borrowed ₹35,000 from prominent businessman Seth Jummalal Ruthia of Sehore. The loan, known as the Indian War Loan, aimed to fund the war effort and maintain governance in the region.
Seth Jummalal Ruthia: Wealthy and Influential
Seth Jummalal Ruthia was one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Sehore and Bhopal. His family owned extensive lands and properties. At one point, 20–30% of permanent houses in Sehore were on the Ruthia family property.
The Ruthia family claims that the British government never repaid the loan. Seth Jummalal passed away in 1937, and the matter remained largely forgotten for decades.
Discovery of Historic Documents
Recently, Vivek Ruthia, Seth Jummalal’s grandson, reviewed family documents after his father’s death. Among wills, letters, and certificates, he discovered records of the 1917 loan.
A certificate dated June 4, 1917, confirmed the payment of ₹35,000 under the Indian War Loan. The document mentioned that the loan was given to WS Davis, the British Political Agent in Bhopal. It also recognised Seth Jummalal’s loyalty to the British Empire during the war.
Family Plans Legal Action
Now 63 years old, Vivek Ruthia wants to reclaim the loan. Based on the current gold value, the original ₹35,000 could be worth several crores. Adding interest would increase the sum significantly.
The family plans to send a legal notice to the British government under international law. They demand repayment, treating it as a sovereign loan. Legal experts say such claims are rare and legally complex, but the Ruthias remain determined.
Present-Day Ruthia Family Business
Today, the Ruthia family owns properties in Sehore, Indore, and Bhopal. They run businesses in agriculture, hospitality, and real estate.
The historic loan demand has reignited discussions about unresolved matters from the British colonial era. It not only highlights financial obligations from the past but also underscores the lasting historical and legal significance of such loans.
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