Date:10/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011051690500.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Minister visits terror victim’s family

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Minister for Fisheries and Registration S. Sarma on Friday visited the residence of Varghese Thomas, manager of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai who was killed during the recent terrorist attack.

The Minister visited the family members at Vazhakunnam Veedu, Kaniyamkunnu, Kadungallur, Aluva, and handed over a cheque for Rs.2.5 lakh towards the compensation announced by the State government to Varghese’s mother and wife.

Mr. Sarma was told that Varghese’s eldest son was a B.Sc. Nursing final year student and the younger one was in Class 9. The Minister assured the family that the State government would always be with them and asked them to contact him directly in case of need.

The handing over of the compensation was delayed as the family was at their ancestral home at Thiruvalla. A.M. Yousuf, MLA, Smita Gopi, chairperson of Aluva municipality, and K.N. Raje, Additional District Magistrate, accompanied the Minister.