Rs one lakh given to family of Biju, who died in Adimali mudslip 

ADIMALI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the family of Biju, who died in the mudslip at Adimali in Idukki. The national highways authority provided financial assistance on the directions of the collector. District Collector Dr Dinesan Cheruvat said there was a delay from the side of NHAI in giving the amount. The demand to provide a job to Biju’s daughter is under consideration by the government.

The collector also clarified that there are legal hurdles on the side of the government in providing financial assistance to his family. It was a man-made disaster. Therefore, the amount cannot be provided under the Disaster Management Act. A decision should be taken at the government level, said the collector.

Biju and his wife Sandhya got trapped in the mudslip that occurred in October at their Lakshamveedu house in Adimali. The broken part of the 50-foot-high embankment collapsed onto the road and about six houses below.

Although both were trapped in the mudslip, Sandhya was pulled out after hours of searching. Biju, who was trapped between layers of concrete, could not be saved. Biju was able to be pulled out only after seven-day long rescue operations. Sandhya's left leg, which was seriously injured, had to be amputated. Care and Share International, led by actor Mammootty, bore the expenses of Sandhya's treatment at that time.