BENGALURU: The release of compensation by the BBMP to the next of kin of Jagadish, who died when a tree fell on a car at Minerva Circle on September 9, has taken an ugly turn owing to a dispute between his wife and parents, and both parties laying claim on it.
The BBMP had announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and the cheque was handed over to Roopa, Jagadish’s wife. But it had to subsequently withheld after a request by Jagadish’s parents.
Roopa, alleged that she was surprised to learn about the development and when she made enquiries with the BBMP, she came to know it was done following a request from her in-laws.
She said she had three daughters and has major responsibility to get them educated, to repay the loans and to run the family.
Her in-laws never cared for them when Jagadish was alive and did not even participate in his last rites. How can they demand money, she questioned and demanded the BBMP to get her a job for her family’s livelihood.
BBMP to mediate
Mayor G. Padmavathi told Deccan Chronicle that since the aged parents of Jagadish, along with over 50 relatives, arrived at the BBMP office demanding compensation, the cheque issued to Roopa had to be withheld. Jagadish’s mother also collapsed during the meeting, she added.
“Actually, the issue should have been resolved within the family. We will try to mediate. If they reach an understanding, Rs 1 lakh will be given to the parents and remaining to Roopa. If Roopa opposes it then the BBMP will issue the cheque to her,” she said.
Sons demand jobs
Meanwhile, Rohit and Rahul, the children of Bharathi and Ramesh, who too died in the same accident, are demanding jobs at BBMP. The BBMP had decided to issue Rs 5 lakh each to the two children.
Rohit declined the cheque and demanded that BBMP should provide jobs to him and his brother, along with the compensation. He said they have completed PUC and were eligible to work.
In reply, Padmavathi said that it was not possible to give two jobs to a single family on compassionate grounds. However, a recommendation will be sent to BBMP Commissioner and final call has to be taken by the administration head, she said.
