Non-delivery of compensation: SHRC seeks explanation from govt

T'puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson, Justice Alexander Thomas, has demanded an explanation from the govt for not implementing the commission order issued in 2017 on compensation to the kin of accident victims.

The SHRC had ordered the govt to grant a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund to the dependents of the five youths who died in an accident at Kovalam beach on July 18, 2015.

The commission asked the principal secretary of the revenue department to submit an explanation within a month and inform when the compensation will be distributed. The order was issued based on a complaint filed by Prasannakumari, mother of Akhil P Vijayan, who died in the accident, stating that the compensation has not been granted yet.

The commission had sought a status report from the revenue secretary, tourism secretary, DGP, and district collector regarding the complaint. The tourism secretary informed the commission that it is the responsibility of the revenue secretary to grant the compensation. The commission has also requested the district collector to submit the details of the deceased youths and their dependents within six weeks.