ERNAKULAM: A compensation of Rs 3.5 lakh was handed over to the farmer K O Thomas who suffered a loss after KSEB employees felled plantains planted under the Idukki-Kothamangalam 220 K V Line. Antony John MLA handed over the compensation to the farmer. Thomas is relieved to get the money.

The employees felled more than 400 plantains planted in his farm in Varapetty Elangavam near Kandampara irrigation on August 4. The plantains were nearing harvest just before the Onam season. After the incident stoked a controversy, a decision was taken by the agriculture and power ministers to give compensation to the farmer.

The action of the KSEB was on the conclusion that the 220 KV power line was damaged after the plantains caught fire. The Human Rights Commission filed a suo moto case. The inquiry report justified the action of the KSEB officials. A decision was taken to provide financial assistance as a special case considering the fact that the farmer was not informed about the felling of plantains that were ready for harvest and the financial loss incurred by the farmer. The action was taken following the report of the director, KSEB transmission department, after visiting the place.