HC notice to Centre, state on Malleswaram blast victim's plea

 The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ordered notice to the Union and state governments in a petition filed by Leesha, one of the victims of the bomb blast near the BJP office in Mallesw­aram in 2013.

Leesha has contended that the Centre and the state government have not complied with the high court's direction to provide her with a state government job and to pay her higher compensation.

The high court had previously ordered the state government to provide a government job to the victim within three months. Despite the chief minister putting a note to place the matter before the Cabinet, no action has been taken so far.  With regard to the compensation paid to Leesha, the Centre had increased the amount from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Leesha is yet to receive Rs 2 lakh. 

The petitioner had also demanded a national policy on compensation and rehabilitation of victims of terrorist attacks and, the high court had directed the Centre to come up with a policy similar to those in the US and the UK. But till date no steps have been taken. 

During the blast that took place near the BJP office in Malleswaram in April 2013, Leesha suffered serious injuries and had to undergo numerous operations to fix her leg. Her family had to spend nearly Rs 10 lakh towards her treatment. She had said in her petition that the compensation given to her by the state government was low and she is facing financial trouble to meet her medical expenses.

She had sought Rs 1 crore compensation along with interest by moulding a special relief to the petitioner by taking into account her young age and meritorious academic record. Justice A S Bopanna ordered notice and adjourned the hearing.