26/11: Government can't find several victims' families

Almost eight years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the state government has not been able to pay compensation to next of kin of several victims killed in the attacks as they have failed to establish contact with them. Among them are 26 foreign nationals who were killed at different locations on the day.

The Maharashtra Government has sent several reminders to the concerned embassies or consulates in Mumbai in a bid to obtain details pertaining to the kin of the deceased, but have not been successful. Government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani on Thursday placed an affidavit before the Bombay High Court, informing it that although the latest reminder was sent to embassies on July 25, it did not elicit a response.

The victims are eligible to get compensation under the 'Central Scheme for assistance to deceased victims, family of victim's of Terrorist Act, Communal Violence and Naxal Violence'. Vagyani said compensation has been given to 74 people so far. However, some of the other victims from other states are yet to furnish proof of their identities. The government has given compensation to 22 policemen and NSG commandos.

The information was provided during the hearing of a PIL filed by advocate Rajeshwar Panchal. In his petition, he asked that a fair amount be given as compensation to victims' families. He said the income of the deceased, the social status of his or her family, and the number of dependents should be taken into account while deciding the compensation amount.