26/11 terror attacks: Maharashtra govt awaits reports on compensation paid to kin of victims from other states

“Several correspondences are being made with the district collectorate of respective states for getting information whether the state government has sent proposals for obtaining compensation to the tune of Rs three lakh from the Home Ministry. Comprehensive report about financial aid and compensation to the legal heirs of deceased persons have been called from them,” states the affidavit filed by the state government in the Bombay High Court.

According to the affidavit, reminders have been sent to the district collectors several times whether the compensation amount has been disbursed. “Proposals of legal heirs of deceased persons were received through some of the district collectorate/embassy but the same were found to be incomplete,” it added.

Stating that it had sought complete information, the government said the same was still awaited.

Meanwhile, the High Court has sought reply from the Central government on whether it has framed a policy of giving compensation to legal heirs of victims affected by such incidents. The Union government has been given four weeks to file its reply.

The High Court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by one Rajeshwar Panchal, which states that it is the duty of the state to protect and secure the life and liberty of its citizens and if the state fails to do so, particularly during terrorist attacks, the state is liable to pay suitable compensation.

The affidavit by the state government has been filed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashwini Sanap.

According to Sanap, in case of one of the deceased Sunil Thakare, who was from Thane district, the legal heir is not yet known. “One lady approached the department to claim the compensation but she had failed to prove her claim to be the legal heir and being widow of the deceased,” he said.

The government has further stated that it is yet to receive information from embassies for disbursement of compensation to legal heirs of 26 foreigners who died in the attacks.

In 74 cases, the Central government has given compensation, in two cases the deceased have not been identified and in four cases kin of deceased have been declared ineligible for compensation. “Around 22 deceased persons were officials of police department and were on duty. The state government has paid compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to their legal heirs,” said the affidavit.