Lift mishap: Cochin University of Science and Technology gives solatium to victims

KOCHI: The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has decided to sanction Rs 2 lakh as solatium to the family of migrant labourer who died in a lift collapse at the varsity months ago. It will also pay Rs 75,000 to the injured. A decision to this effect was taken by the Syndicate and the money will soon be handed over, said varsity Registrar Dr. S. David Peter. Palanivel, 50, of Velipuram, Tamil Nadu, was killed at the first trial of a temporary lift on the campus on April 19.

The site supervisor Ratheesh, 32, from Tripunithura, sustained multiple injuries. The three-member probe panel did not find anyone from the varsity responsible for the accident. “The university manual does not stipulate supervising by the engineering wing of the varsity for preparatory works, during which the accident occurred and hence none was held responsible by the committee,” said Mr Peter.

“A recommendation was given to give safety training to engineering officials and train those deployed by contractors and also take precautionary measures,” he said. The police has filed chargesheet against three officials of the Cusat engineering wing and two others in the Kalamassery Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, for homicide not amounting to murder, in relation to the mishap.