Cheques were distributed after document verification by the Mulla & Mulla and Craigie Blunt & Caroe, advocates appointed by the Air India for the relatives of the victims, at Hotel Ocean Pearl here on Friday. A team of six advocates led by H D Nanavati carried out the process. Of the 25 claimants, compensation cheques were distributed to kin of 12 dead, including eight victims above the age of 12 years and four children.
Speaking after handing over a cheque to one of the relatives on Friday, Air India Executive Director (Southern Region) Sunil Kishan said that it is for the first time in the history that the Air India is distributing interim compensation to victims. He said the process of counselling, receiving applications and distribution of interim compensation will continue on Saturday. “Advocates will be back in town on another date if the process is not completed on Saturday,” he added.
Talking about the confusion over the check-list of documents required for filing compensation and insurance claims, Kishan said advocates do not insist on relatives submitting the death certificate to claim interim compensation. “Some documents are required only for the insurance claim. Those sought in the checklist will be of use for the relatives in future too,” he explained.
Relatives of victims of above 12 years age were paid Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation. Meanwhile, kin of victims below 12 years were paid Rs five lakh. Air India PRO Ebi George said the document verification and counselling process will continue till late night so that the applications of all the 45 claimants will be verified. The process is expected to be completed by Saturday evening, he added. Air India Executive Director (Finance) B Kundra, Chief Operating Officer Andy D’Souza, General Manager (Finance) and Station Manager Chellam Prasad were present.
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