Got paralyzed following dog attack, Lakshmanan seeks compensation of 75 lakhs; legal battle going on for 40 years

KANNUR: The fight of Anjarakandy native V Lakshmanan, who had to spend 35 lakh rupees for treatment and to take the case to the Supreme Court after being attacked by a stray dog, continues for the fortieth year. He got paralyzed from the waist down after being vaccinated against rabies. Although the panchayat paid him a compensation of Rs 10 lakh as ordered by the Supreme Court, he is continuing the legal battle to get Rs 75 lakh. Following Lakshmanan's appeal, a commission appointed by the Supreme Court had given a report stating that he had incurred a loss of Rs 75 lakh.

On Monday, Lakshmanan submitted a petition to local minister MB Rajesh demanding compensation. He had taken loans from various banks for the treatment and for running the case. He still has to repay Rs 40 lakhs.

October 14, when life changed

On October 14, 1983, Lakshmanan, a beedi worker, was attacked by a stray dog while he was on his way to the company. He suffered a fatal wound in the leg. He got paralyzed from the waist down after receiving an injection at the primary health centre in Iriveri. The doctors ruled that it was a medical error and that he got paralyzed due to a defect in the injected medicine.

On his appeal filed against the lower court verdicts, the Supreme Court ordered the Anjarakandy Panchayat to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakhs. Following this, the panchayat handed over the amount to Lakshmanan in 2018. However, Lakshmanan filed an appeal demanding 75 lakhs. The Supreme Court then appointed the commission chaired by Retd Justice Sirijagan. The commission reported that Lakshmanan had incurred a loss of 75 lakh rupees. The apex court is yet to pronounce the verdict on this. 75-year-old Laxman, who is in a wheelchair and on crutches, is supported by his wife Shyamala.