Fishermen on 'Suvarna Tribhuja' died after collision with Indian Navy's ship: Pramod Madhwaraj
Former fisheries minister blamed BJP for playing politics over the issues and hiding truth
Udupi: Former Udupi MLA and Lok Sabha Candidate from Congress-JD(S) alliance from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency, Pramod madhwaraj on Friday claimed that the fishermen onboard Tribhuja Suvarna were killed after a Indian Navy boat collided with it. He blamed the centre for the incident and for keeping the truth away from the people while calling for an high-level investigation led by retired Supreme Court Judge.
He made the claims while speaking to reporters at the Sai Radha Resort in Muloor during his visit to the resort to meet CM HD Kumaraswamy.
“I said the same thing earlier, I stand on my claims. Indian Navy’s vessel collided with the fishing boat and as a result of the collision the fishermen died. A detailed investigation should be conducted in this case” he said while blaming the BJP of playing politics over the missing fishermen.
“Four months back, a fishing boat that sailed into sea for fishing from Malpe disappears mysteriously. Four months after I said that Indian Navy’s INS Cochin vessel collided with the fishing boat, today my claims have come true as the Navy have now found its wreck” he added.
“No fishing boat can mysteriously disappear like Suvarna Tribhuja unless there is any cyclone or weather related issues. If there are any engine problem or technical snag, fishermen will have enough time to escape the situation with the help of life jackets and also to get in touch with authorities through mobile phone or wireless communication. But the mysterious disappearance and instant sinking of the boat proves that it collided with INS Cochin Navy ship” the former fisheries minister added.
He also stressed that the Navy should be held accountable and answerable for killing the seven fishermen of the state. “I being former fisheries minister and coming from a fishermen family demand for a judicial investigation into the matter. The investigation should be led by retired judge of Supreme Court” he demanded.
“If the Navy ship had hit the fishing boat, there was no need to keep the truth away from the people of the state and the family members of the fishermen. Now when the LS Polls in the state are done with, they have made the claims of finding the wrecks of the boat. BJP MLA reached to the family members of the fishermen and played politics over the issue by assuring them of help when they already knew the truth. I condemn such politics” Madhawraj told reporters.
“I have already spoken to G Shankar, Fishermen’s family, leaders of fishermen community and CM. At least 6 Lakh rupees will be sanctioned as a compensation to the families of bereaved fishermen. There are no hopes for the fishermen being alive now. So I have demanded for Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of all seven fishermen” he said.
Madhawaraj further noted that the CM has already discussed the issue with fisheries minister and action will be initiated in the regard (Compensation).
“This was a blunder done by Navy and BJP at the centre, but the BJP kept making fun of CM and District In-charge minister for political gains. Today they stand exposed”
“It was a mass killing of fishermen. I once again call for judicial investigation in this matter by a retired Supreme Court judge” he concluded.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
