Press Trust Of India
Chennai, Nov 23: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has ordered compensation of Rs 2.61 crore to the women family members of a Singapore-based electrical officer, who was crushed to death along with his wife in a road accident in the state five years ago.
The mishap took place when he was returning from Singapore and proceeding to his village in Cuddalore district in 2012.
In her petition, A Semmalar of Poochimdu village submitted that her father D Arul Oli (47) was working as an electrical officer, NYK Ship Management Private Ltd, Singapore. Her mother A Vasuki (38) was working as a tailor. Her father was earning USD 4,910 (approximately Rs 2.70 lakh) per month while her mother Rs 15,000. The mishap took place January 6, 2012 when a Qualis van in which they were travelling collided with a container lorry which was driven in a rash and negligent manner and later parked on a no-parking zone, the petitioner alleged.
She said her parents died at the spot.
One petition was filed by Semmalar and D Kasiammal, mother of Arul Oli and another by Semmalar and A Muniammal, mother of Vasuki, seeking a compensation of Rs 3.10 crore.
Counsel for the petitioners contended that the family members depended on the income of the deceased.
The accident was caused solely due to the negligence of the container lorry driver. Hence, M Mani of Sowcarpet, owner of the vehicle and United India Insurance Company, insurer of the lorry, were liable to pay a compensation to the petitioners, it was submitted.
On completion of trial, Small Causes Court, Chief Judge V Sivagnanam directed United India Insurance Company to pay a compensation of Rs 2.61 crore along with an interest of 7.5 per cent per annum from November 28, 2012 to the petitioners. Of the total compensation – Rs 2.50 crore would be paid to Semmalar, Rs 10 lakh to Kasiammal, Rs 1.38 lakh to Muniammal.