Tension at Virudhunagar hospital as blast victims' kin demand higher compensation
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Eight workers died in the explosion at a private unit in Chinnakamanpatti, operated by a Sivakasi-based owner. Though postmortem was completed, families of five victims — Ramajeyam, Naga Pandi, Lakshmi, Chellapandi, and Punniyamurthi — demanded ₹10 lakh compensation from the state. While the body of Punniyamurthi was received following official intervention, others continued their protest before being dispersed by police.
Chief minister M K Stalin had earlier announced 4 lakh as compensation for each victim.
The incident sparked political backlash. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam called the state's relief "grossly inadequate" and demanded 20 lakh per victim, as per a previous National Green Tribunal directive, along with 10 lakh from the factory management. "These recurring mishaps highlight poor enforcement of safety norms," he said.
AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran condemned the district SP D Kannan's "threatening tone" in a viral video where he is seen warning protesters. Calling it "high-handedness," Dhinakaran urged the government to uphold democratic rights and ensure fair compensation.
Responding to the criticism, Virudhunagar district police denied any use of force, stating that warnings were issued only to prevent disruption to hospital services and ensure road access for ambulances. In a press release, police said the protesters repeatedly tried to block the main road, affecting patient care, and that allegations were "exaggerated and inaccurate."
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