COORG CROP LOSS RELIEF SCAM: WIDOW, AGED 81, WHO LOST HER HOUSE AND ESTATE, GETS MEASLY RS 3,500 FROM GOVT

By P.T. Bopanna

Unlike many, who managed to pocket huge compensation from the government, Pandikuthira Chitra Subbaiah (81), a widow who lost her house (in picture) and 10 acres of land in last year’s floods and landslides in Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka, received a measly Rs 3,500.  

Monique Somaya, daughter of Chitra, a resident of Madikeri in Kodagu, told the news portal www.coorgnews.in that her mother lost prime land near Hattihole in Somwarpet taluk following landslide which buried her estate and damaged the house.

Chitra was one of the biggest losers on account of the landslides and floods following a deluge, triggered by unprecedented rains that lashed Kodagu for days together, said to be the worst of its kind in living memory.

Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharam met Chitra and heard about the travails she underwent and how she managed to exit from her property in time to save her life.

Daughter Monique said: “There were photos and interviews of my mother with the defence minister. We submitted all the required documents to the government requesting for financial assistance. All that we received was Rs 3,500 from the panchyat.”

She noted that her mother is now “homeless”. “Probably we are expected to pay bribes to get financial assistance from the government,” Monique added.