If a borrower fails to repay a loan, you have several effective remedies, even without a formal written agreement. Your first step should be to send a formal legal notice demanding payment within a specified period, which often resolves the matter without litigation. If this fails, you can initiate a civil suit for recovery under the Code of Civil Procedure. For debts based on written instruments, a summary suit is a faster alternative. If the borrower provided a cheque that bounced, you have a powerful criminal remedy under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. In cases where the money was obtained through deception from the start, a criminal complaint for cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita may also be appropriate. Consulting a top criminal lawyer in Pune is advisable to determine the best strategy for your specific case. A top criminal law expert in Pune will ensure your evidence, such as bank transfers and digital messages, is presented properly before the Pune Sessions Court, while a cyber crime lawyer in Pune can help authenticate electronic records under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam to strengthen your position.