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Kerala: Forest officials ordered to pay for denying damages

Forest officials were directed to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to a man who was denied reimbursement for damages caused by monkeys

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Consumers Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRC) has upheld a lower forum order that directed forest officials to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to a man who was denied reimbursement for damages caused by monkeys. The animals attacked the house of the complainant K.J. John of Sulthan Bathery and destroyed household items. The forest range officer came to the spot and assessed the damages and reported the matter to the government.

After sanctioning the compensation from the government, the officer intimated the complainant to come and collect the cheque. When Mr John went to officials, they refused to pay money stating that there is a forest case pending against him. The man claimed that he had no case pending against him and claimed reimbursement of sanctioned money along with a compensation of Rs 25,000.

The range officer furnished the details of forest cases against the man. Mr John provided a local newspaper copy on the magnitude of the attack. Courts were of the opinion that it is a different issue that there is another case against the complainant. Proceedings in that regard could be continued as per law. The commission observed deficiency of service from forest officials and asked them to reimburse his money and pay compensation.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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