Rajesh's family to take legal action against Air India; Minister V Sivankutty writes to Union Aviation Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The family of Nambi Rajesh (40), who died in Muscat, is preparing to take legal action demanding compensation from Air India Express. They are also thinking about filing a complaint with the central government. Family members could not reach Muscat to meet Rajesh as flights were cancelled due to Air India Express cabin crew strike. Although it was said that things including compensation can be discussed after Rajesh's cremation, so far there has been only one call from Air India. Family members say that Air India Express contacted the family on Thursday afternoon asking them to send an email informing them of what was required, but the officials did not reach out in person or call later.

Rajesh collapsed at his workplace in Muscat on the 7th. His wife Amrita and mother Chitra booked tickets on Air India Express for the morning of the 8th to meet Rajesh, but when they reached the airport, they learned that the flights were cancelled due to the strike. The company said they would issue the ticket the next day, but it didn't happen. On the 13th, the news of Rajesh's death reached Amrita. Rajesh's body was brought home and cremated on Thursday.

Chief Minister will visit the family

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will visit Rajesh's family as soon as he returns from his foreign tour. Yesterday Mayor Arya Rajendran and her husband Sachin Dev MLA came to the rented house and consoled the family.

Minister sents letter to Minister of Aviation

Minister V Sivankutty has written to the Union Aviation Minister requesting him to intervene to provide compensation to Amrita and the family of Nambi Rajesh, who could not meet Rajesh one last time following the cancellation of Air India Express service. Amrita had booked a seat on an Air India Express flight to meet and bring back her husband Nambi Rajesh, who was in critical condition in a hospital in Muscat.

They reached the airport for the journey but the flight was cancelled. Amrita appealed to the authorities for an alternative arrangement but all efforts went in vain.

In the letter, the minister pointed out that the irresponsible actions of Air India Express not only deprived Amrita of her last chance to see her husband but also caused immeasurable pain and suffering to her and her family.