Building owner seeks compensation for plane crash

"It was totally wrong on part of the authorities to organise such an event near a residential locality. They could have held the event far from residential area on the outskirts of the city," said L Ramesh Kumar, retired engineer and the building's owner.

The Kiran MK-II plane, which was part of the 'Sagar Pawan' aerobatic team participating in a display at the 'India Aviation show 2010', crashed around noon yesterday, at New Bowenpally area, about four kms from the Old Begumpet Airport.

The naval plane crashed into the top floor of the building killing two pilot and another man on the ground besides injuring a woman and her son who were sitting in the second floor of the balcony.

"Whatever extent the damage has happened to my building it should be redone and that is the minimum thing I expect to be done from the authorities," Kumar said.

He was also apprehensive that a part or the entire building will be demolished.
Kumar said, he will meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah at the Secretariat here this evening seeking his intervention to suitably compensate him and residents.
"I will give a representation to the Chief Minister and the extent of damage whatever has happened and request him to take up the matter with the central government in getting me compensated," he said.

When asked how much amount he sought from the government in compensation, Kumar said, "I have minimum expectation... I should not be penalised for no fault of mine. As a house owner I seek suitable compensation for me and the occupants of the building."
Kumar said all 8 tenants residing in the building have vacated the place after police authorities asked them to stay out of the building.

"I am taking shelter at my brother's place, the entire building area has been cordoned off and we are not permitted to enter the building, Kumar said.Kumar said none of the naval or defence authorities bothered to talk to him in regard to the compensation or any other matter as part of the enquiry and added that he wanted the defence people to come forward and discuss the matter with him.