Dispute over claim by estranged wife

Compensation confusion

Zeenath (29), wife of Abdul Rahman of Vijayanagara Extension in Chikmagalur, who died in the air crash came forward to claim the compensation. However, Rahman’s brothers opposed it pointing out that Rahman had divorced Zeenath as per Shariat law. Zeenath, who was living separate from Rahman, had also sought divorce in the court. Advocates as well as Air India authorities were in a fix as both parties were claiming the compensation.

Rahman and Zeenath, who were married at Chikmagalur in October 1999, have a son Tahsir (10) and a daughter Thansheer (7). The couple lived together till 2004. When Rahman went to Dubai, her parents took her to their home.

Zeenath had filed a dowry harassment case against Rahman when he was holidaying in his native place in 2008. Rahman’s brother Azeez argued that if the amount was handed over to Zeenath, she will marry again and ruin the children’s future.

Zeenath’s brother Shameem claimed that she was taken to her parental home when Rahman left for Dubai, as Rahman and his relatives were harassing her. A petition seeking alimony is pending in the court. Hence, the interim compensation should be paid to Zeenath only, he contended.

Several of the relatives of the dead could not meet the advocates on Friday. Though the Air India had decided to counsel relatives of 45 victims, about 100 thronged Hotel Ocean Pearl, where the counselling was conducted. Many had to return without meeting advocates.
Mohammed Musthaq and Jafarali Siddiq, relatives of Mumthaz, Iba Hazina, Mushin and Haifa, had reached the City to meet the advocates and to claim the interim compensation. Though they had brought all documents as per the check list, they could not meet the advocates.