Two years of Pettimudi landslide; four missing persons not included in deceased list, families of victims yet to receive compensation

MUNNAR: Two years ago, when landslide hit and wrecked lanes of Pettimudi Shanmuganath lost his two children. The incident happened when they visited Pettimudi to celebrate the birthday of their relative. His 19-year-old son Nitish Kumar's body was found but his 22-year-old son Dinesh Kumar's body is yet to be found. He continued his search even when the district administration ended the search. However, even two years after the tragedy, Dinesh Kumar's death certificate or compensation announced by the government has not been received. Not only Shanmuganath's son, bodies of Pettimudi natives Kasturi (26), daughter Priyadashini(7) and Karthika (21) are yet to be found. They are not even included in the list of deceased.

The government announced after the search that the missing persons would be considered dead and a notification would be issued. As the death certificate was not received, the families of victims did not get the insurance amount. They are unable to withdraw deposits from bank account of victims. The families of victims are yet to receive Rs 2 lakh announced by Union government.

District Collector Sheeba George says that a special order has been issued considering the four missing persons as dead. But even the Tehsildar of Devikulam is not aware of this. The families of victims have not been notified.