Tenant not returning ₹2L+ dues, planning police complaint, what’s the best way forward?

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User_f037ed70
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April 26, 2026 at 1:02 pm

Hi all,

I’m looking for some guidance on how to proceed with a financial dispute that has now escalated.

A former tenant (Revathi) who stayed in our house for several years has significant pending dues. Over time, she stopped paying rent and also took ₹50,000 from my father (70 years old, heart patient) while vacating, claiming she needed it as advance for a new place.

Total outstanding is around ₹2 lakhs, out of which ₹45,000 is immediately being pursued.

She had agreed to pay ₹5,000 monthly to my GPay account and made only one payment (June 2025). Since then, no payments have been made despite repeated follow-ups.

Recently, when I contacted her:

* She denied responsibility (“we didn’t take from you”)
* Became disrespectful
* Her daughter said things like: “If we don’t give, what will you do?”
* They accused me of “mental torture” for following up

I have:

* WhatsApp chat proof
* Audio recordings of conversations (including them challenging me)

I’ve consulted a family lawyer who advised me to file a police complaint. I’m planning to go to the station.

My questions:

1. Should I push for FIR or just mediation/recovery?
2. Is it better to insist on written undertaking + post-dated cheques?
3. What should I be careful about during police enquiry?
4. Any risk of counter-complaint from their side?
5. If they don’t cooperate even after police involvement, what is the strongest next step?

I’m trying to handle this calmly and legally, but the behavior has been quite stressful.

Any practical advice would really help.

Thanks in advance.

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