The family of Nimisha Thampi, the 22-year-old BBA student who was brutally murdered by a migrant worker at her home near Perumbavoor early this week, may become the first in the State to benefit from the interim relief granted under the Victim Compensation Scheme, 2017.
The procedures were set in motion by sub judge and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) secretary A.M. Basheer who visited the victim’s home at Thadiyittaparambu as part of an inquiry ahead of the granting of compensation on Friday. This was after the Thadiyittaparambu police wrote to him requesting for an award of relief citing the economic backwardness of the family.
“The significance of the case is that it will be the first time in Kerala that the dependants of a victim will be benefiting from the interim relief provided under the Victim Compensation Scheme, 2017. Section 5 (3) of the scheme provides for ‘such other interim relief’ as may be decided by the DLSA secretary,” Mr. Basheer told The Hindu .
He pointed out that the accused being a migrant from poor background and was likely to receive severe punishment, there was no guarantee that he would be able to pay compensation, and hence, the family could not afford to wait for compensation till the trial was over.
The police had arrested Biju Molla, 34, of Murshidabad in West Bengal, who allegedly slit the victim’s throat after his theft attempt went awry.
Mr. Basheer collected statements from Nimisha’s sister, father, and neighbours.
The victim’s mother remains an emotional wreck ever since her daughter’s murder and hence could not be talked to. He has sought a report from the village officer on the income and assets of the victim’s family and another report on their social status from the district probation officer.
The compensation will be fixed on the basis of the reports coupled with relevant provisions of the Victim Compensation Scheme.
Bigger sum likely
“The compensation will be awarded subject to the approval of the DLSA Committee as soon as the reports are received.
“While the scheme provides for a minimum of ₹2 lakh for murder victims, a bigger amount may be awarded considering the circumstances of the case. Once the compensation is awarded, it is for the government to comply with it,” Mr. Basheer said.
He added that while dependants of all victims were entitled to such interim compensation, there was a general lack of awareness about such a provision in the Victim Compensation Scheme.
