SL refugee seeks 10 lakh compensation for his daughter's death

A Sri Lankan refugee at a nearby refugee camp today moved the Madras High court seeking Rs 10 lakh in compensation from the state government for the death of his minor daughter who succumbed to injuries as the dilapidated house they were staying in collapsed in rains last year.
Justice R Mahadevan ordered notice to the Commissioner of Refugee rehabilitation and the Madurai District Collector, among others.
Petitioner S Athipathi of Thiruvaathavu refugee camp said he had drawn the attention of officials to the dilapidated condition of the absetos-roofed house where he was staying with four children when it collapsed on May 12, 2014.

He said it was not only his house which was damaged but also that of of six others. Some were occupied by more than 10 people.
The asbestos roof, provided 13 years ago, had worn out due to rain and extreme heat condition, he said.
Athipathi said that after the death of his 11-year-old daughter, "for which the officials were vicariously responsible", he was given a relief of just Rs 5,000. The tragedy would not have occurred if the officials had visited the camp and taken remedial measures.

He alleged that the drinking water supplied to the refugees contained 35 mg of potassium and said kidney damage could be caused even if 10 mg is present in water.

Ten persons in the camp were suffering serious kidney ailments, while 20 others were taking regular treatment of kidney disorder.
It was the duty of officials to provide sufficient houses, toilets, potable water, drainage, road and medical facilities. But they had not done so. The 'callousness' of the officials caused the death of his daughter, he said and sought the compensation.