Cauvery water row: Helping the riot-hit get compensation

BENGALURU: After every violent protest, normalcy returns for most of us. Though we momentarily may feel sorry for those who lost their property and dear ones, ultimately we move on with life. But for Kannada-Tamil Harmony and Social Welfare Trust President N. Ramachandran, expressing mere sympathy for the victims is not enough and he tirelessly works towards getting them compensation.

During the violent protest in Bengaluru on September 12 and later many trucks and cabs bearing Tamil Nadu registration numbers were torched by miscreants. This forty-five year old social worker is now busy helping the victims book FIRs at various police stations in the city to help them claim vehicle insurance.

In an interaction with Deccan Chronicle, Ramachandran said, “For the victims of recent riots life is yet to return to normalcy. Fearing life, many truckers and cab drivers left their vehicles and fled. We are instilling a sense of confidence among the victims and getting FIRs booked. Most the victims do not know the procedures to register a case and claim insurance and thus end up losing lakhs.”

Explaining on how the victims of 1991 Cauvery riot were compensated, Ramachandran said, “Over 13,000 cases were filed with the Cauvery Riots Relief Authority and relief of Rs 1.6 crore was granted for 4,000 victims.”

Ramachandran along with Periyasamy, President of Bangalore Lorry Transport Agents’ Association have visited Byatarayanapura, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Byadarahalli, Dabaspet, Harashinagunte, Nelamangala and K.R. Puram and already registered over 50 FIRs. They said more and more victims are coming forward to get the FIRs registered, after our persuasion.

Durai, a truck driver-cum-owner from Mecheri, in Tamil Nadu told Deccan Chronicle, “On September 12 miscreants lit fire to my empty-truck, which was parked at Andrahalli. Fearing attack I ran to my village. After being persuaded by Periyasamy and Ramachandran, I have come back and a complaint was registered and steps are being taken to claim insurance amount.”

Ramachandran further said he along with representatives from Bangalore Tamil Sangam will be meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and request him to compensate the victims.