Anderson had assured 'generous compensation': MK Rasgotra

Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson had given an assurance that he will ensure a "generous compensation package" for the victims of deadly 1984 gas leakage incident during his visit to the country shortly after the tragedy, the then foreign secretary MK Rasgotra has said.

"I am shattered by what I have seen Mr Rasgotra. It will be my endeavour, we cannot undo what has happened, it will be my endeavour to ensure a generous compensation package
for those who had suffered," Rasgotra said quoting Anderson,
who called on him just few hours before his departure on
Dec 7, 1984.

The former diplomat told Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN Anderson "looked deeply troubled, bedraggled, very sad, sorrowful and remorseful."

Asked if Anderson accepted the responsibility of Union Carbide for what had happened, Rasgotra said "Well, naturally when he said,'I will try and work out a generous package', he accepted responsibility."

Rasgotra maintained that at the time of the meeting he did not know that Anderson was out on bail.

"No, he did not and, in fact, to be frank with you, I didn't know that he was on bail...I had no idea. I said the man had been granted safe passage and there was some mishap in Bhopal, but he was then let off, put on a plane and sent to Delhi," he said.

He was asked if Anderson, who was out on bail, had made any commitment during the conversation that he would return if he was required by the investigators or the court.