Family of taxi driver shot dead by Mumbai attackers still awaits govt aid

Mumbai, Nov. 25 (ANI): The family of the slain taxi driver, who was shot dead by the Mumbai attackers after they took ride in his cab on the way to their targets, is still awaiting help from the government even as the nation gears up to observe the first anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Phool Chand was one of the taxi drivers whose vehicle the attackers had hired after entering into Mumbai through the Arabian sea.

After reaching their destination, they promptly shot him dead.

In the immediate aftermath of his death, there was a flurry of politicians and state leaders who visited his widow, two small children and old parents - promising them all sorts of help from monetary aid to irrigation land.

But one year on, the family is still waiting for those promises to be fulfilled - as they live an impoverished life, struggling to make ends meet.

His widow, Sanju Devi says they have received only 50,000 rupees from the state - against a promised 200,000 and nothing else - no plot of land, no irrigation land, no medical cover.

"Government promised two lacs (200,000) rupees, ration card, land to till, medical facilities, access to drinking water. They said they would support us entirely. But so far we have received only 50,000 rupees and nothing else," Devi said.

Village head, Usha Mishra said: "Since their village was a long distance from Mumbai, it had probably fallen of the radar and authorities had failed to provide the promised aid."

"The government aid was promised but has not been delivered so far. We are very keen that the family gets some help, but so far nothing has come," Mishra added. (ANI)