MARAD VICTIMS GET COMPENSATION

24 December 2003
New Delhi

On the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, the Government of Kerala has paid financial compensation of Rs.10 lakh each to the next-of-kin of the deceased Hindu fishermen who had been allegedly killed by a gang of Muslim terrorists at Marad Beach, Kozhikode. A compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each has been given to the injured and a challan against these culprits has been filed in the court.

The Commission had received a complaint dated 20 June 2003 from Shri T. Suresh, Secretary, Marad Arayasamajam, Marad, Calicut, Kerala, Bringing to the Commission's notice that on 2 May, 2003, Muslim terrorists armed with deadly weapons and explosives attacked Hindu fishermen as a result of which eight Hindu fishermen died and 15 others including one woman were seriously injured. The Commission on 9 July, 2003 sought a factual report on the complaint of Shri T. Suresh, from the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Kerala.

The Director General of Police, Kerala in his reply dated 27.8.2003 informed the Commission that investigation of the cases relating to the incident at Marad on 2 May, 2003, in which 9 persons were killed and 16 persons injured was entrusted to CBCID and the investigation was supervised by an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police. The investigation of the case had been completed and charge-sheet filed. The DGP has also informed the Commission that the Hon. High Court of Kerala had looked into the need for handing over the investigation to the CBI in this case and had allowed the CBCID of the State Police to complete the investigation. On 18 October 2003, the DGP further informed the Commission that the case has been committed to Sessions Court at Kozhikode but the trial has not yet commenced.

The Principal Secretary to the Government of Kerala in his report dated 21 October, 2003 to the Commission conveyed to it that the State Cabinet in its meeting held on 7.5.2003 has decided to institute a Judicial Inquiry into the incidents at Marad. Shri Thomas P. Joseph, District Judge, Manjeri was appointed as Commission of Inquiry. The Commission of Inquiry in consultation with the Kerala High Court, sanctioned a Special Magistrate Court and an Additional Sessions Court to inquire into and try the offences of Marad incidents.

Subsequently the Government of Kerala convened an all party meeting and after a detailed discussion with the affected parties at various levels arrived at a general consensus to allow for:


a) Examination of the legal aspects of entrusting the investigation with the CBI regarding the conspiracy, Inter-State connection and link with terrorist groups behind the incidents that occurred at Marad Beach, Kozhikode on 2.5.2003, in consultation with the Advocate General;

b) Rupees Ten lakhs each will be given as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the incidents;

c) One each of the dependents of those killed will be given job in Government/Quasi-Government institutions based on their qualifications;

d) Rupees Five lakhs each will be given to those who are undergoing treatment due to serious injuries and Rupees three lakhs each to others who were injured;

e) Steps will be taken to start Rehabilitation process at once;

f) Financial Assistance will be given through Fisheries Department to those who have lost house and implements after assessing the damages;

g) Recommendation will be made to withdraw cases registered throughout the State in connection with the Marad incidents;

h) A Police Station having full strength will be opened at Marad;

i) Steps will be taken to release land immediately for the construction of a Coast Guard Station at Beypore;

j) The Ministers concerned will take necessary steps to implement the Marad Package.

The Principal Secretary to the Government has further conveyed to the Commission through the same communication that sanctioned compensation has been disbursed and that rehabilitation has started smoothly with the cooperation of all the sections of society, including the Hindu families of the Marad area and that efforts are in full swing to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area.