Marad victims get compensation

On the intervention of the 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 allegedly been killed by a gang of Muslims with possible link to terrorists at Marad beach in Kozhikode on 2 May 2003. A compensation of Rs. 5 Lakhs each has been given to the injured and a challan against the culprits has been filed in the court.
On receiving a complaint dated 20 June 2003 from Shri T. Suresh, Secretary, Marad Arayasamajam, the Commission sought a factual report from the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Kerala.
The Director General of Police, Kerala informed the Commission that in the cases relating to the Marad incident of 2 May 2003, the CB-CID had completed investigation and charge-sheets have been filed. The case has now been committed to the Sessions Court at Kozhikode. He said the Kerala High Court had looked into the need for handing over the probe to the CBI, but had allowed the State CID to continue with the investigation.
The Principal Secretary to the Government of Kerala in his report conveyed to the Commission that the State Cabinet has decided to institute a judicial inquiry into the attack. District Judge of Manjeri, Shri Thomas P. Joseph was appointed as Commission of Inquiry. This Commission in consultation with the Kerala High Court sanctioned a special magistrate court and an additional sessions court to enquire into and try the offences of Marad incidents.
The Principal Secretary also said that an all Party meeting was convened and after a detailed discussion a general consensus on the rehabilitation process was arrived at. These include among others, Rs. 10 lakhs each as compensation to next-of-kin killed and one of the dependents of the deceased be given a job in government/quasi government institution. Those seriously injured will be given Rs. 5 lakhs each for treatment and others injured Rs. 3 lakhs each. Those who suffered loss of property will be given financial assistance through the Fisheries Department. A police station is to be opened at Marad and release of land for construction of a Coast Guard station at Beypore were other decisions taken.
The Principal Secretary has also conveyed that the sanction for compensation has been disbursed and rehabilitation process is going on smoothly.