The alleged gold loan scam at Bank of Baroda is proving to be more than just a banking issue. For farmers, women, and small traders, pledged gold often represents their final lifeline in times of hardship. Now, grappling with uncertainty, borrowers await clarification from the bank. The disappearance of these ornaments has triggered not only financial distress but also deep emotional turmoil among them, explores G.V.R. Subba Rao