US announces ex-gratia for TN fisherman killed off Dubai coast

"Yes, the US embassy has kept us informed of their decision to provide what they term as solatium to the next of kin of the Indian fisherman Sekar Arumugam, who was tragically killed in the incident in the Gulf and also to those who were injured," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told reporters here today.

He said India believed this humanitarian gesture by the US would in no way prejudice the final outcome of the ongoing investigation underway in the US.

"We understand that this humanitarian ex-gratia payment does not prejudice the final outcome of the ongoing investigation which is currently under way in the United States," Akbaruddin said.

He said the details of the ex-gratia payment were worked out by the US in consultation with the Tamil Nadu government.

Officials said the US has offered to match the Rs five lakh solatium to Sekar and Rs 50,000 to each of the three injured as announced by the Tamil Nadu government.

Sekar, hailing from Thoppu Valasai in Ramanathpuram District, was killed and three other fishermen injured on July 16 when a security team on board the US Navy ship fired at their small boat off Jabel Ali near Dubai, where they were working with a fishing company.