An ex gratia payment to all the victims of the bomb blast outside the Delhi High Court was announced by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit soon after the incident on Wednesday morning.
Ms. Dikshit, who went to the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital to enquire about the condition of the victims, described it as a cowardly act that must be condemned by one and all.
Noting that the terrible tragedy has shocked everyone, she said the Principal Secretary (Health) of the Delhi Government has been directed to ensure free treatment to all the injured persons. Ms. Dikshit also spoke to some of the injured persons and the Medical Superintendent. She instructed the doctors to provide all possible care and advanced treatment so that the lives of the seriously injured victims could be saved.
As for the ex gratia and assistance amount for the next of kin of the deceased and injured persons respectively, the Chief Minister said Rs.4 lakh would be paid to the families of the deceased while Rs.2 lakh would be paid to the injured for permanent incapacitation; Rs.1 lakh to those with serious injury; and Rs.10,000 for those who suffered minor injury.
The Delhi Government has also stated that the next of kin of the deceased or injured persons may contact the Divisional Commissioner or Secretary (Revenue) Dharmendra at his 5 Sham Nath Marg, Civil Lines office, for release of the ex gratia or assistance. The official can also be reached at 23962825 and 23914805 or on divcom@nic.in.
Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna also visited Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to express his solidarity with the next of kin of the blast victims.
He said the blast has been carried out to create panic in the Capital and demanded that the matter be investigated thoroughly and the culprits brought to book.
Mr. Khanna also urged the citizens to remain cautious and alert and to extend their cooperation to the security agencies to improve the overall security environment.
