Technically these are called unsecured loans – however these are unsecured if given by a independent 3rd party. When the promoters lends this out, it is under the nose of the promoter, who himself can control the security. Some investors have suggested to have a relook at this to improve investor friendliness. Perhaps if the promoters were to sacrifice 2% interest and get it down to 7% from 9%, it will look much better to new/fresh set of investors. Otherwise to a potential investor, this looks like a red flag.
Personally I invested even after this red flag. But my other investor friends cannot swallow the 9% interest rate.