Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 19: Dr Arathi Krishna, deputy chairperson of the Karnataka State NRI Forum, praised chief minister Siddaramaiah for his swift action in providing financial compensation to the family of a Karnataka resident who died in the recent Kuwait housing complex fire.
The tragic incident, which occurred on June 12, in a residential complex in Mangaf, Kuwait, claimed the lives of approximately 45 Indian citizens and left many others critically injured. Among the victims was 40-year-old Vijaykumar Prasanna, son of Kobbanna Prasanna from Sarasamba village in Aland taluk of Kalaburagi district. Prasanna, who had been working as a driver in Kuwait for eight years, left behind a family of eight dependents.
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L to R: Chief minister Siddaramaiah, Vijaykumar and Dr Arathi Krishna
In the aftermath of the incident, the Karnataka State NRI Forum, in coordination with the government of India and the Embassy of Kuwait, facilitated the repatriation of Prasanna's body. His remains were transported from Kochi to Hyderabad and then to his native village, with the assistance of numerous government officials. The body was subsequently handed over to his family.
Recognizing the need for immediate support, the Kerala state government announced a financial compensation of Rs 5 lac for the dependents of the deceased. Following this, Dr Arathi Krishna and the Karnataka State NRI Forum appealed to chief minister Siddaramaiah for similar aid. Responding to the appeal, the chief minister approved a compensation of Rs 5 lac from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for Prasanna's family.
Dr Krishna expressed her gratitude, stating, "We deeply appreciate chief minister Siddaramaiah's prompt response in approving financial assistance for the bereaved family. This support will provide much-needed relief to the family during this difficult time. The timely intervention by the Karnataka government underscores its commitment to supporting the families of expatriates who face unforeseen tragedies abroad."