Fishermen deaths: Italy offers compensation

Posted on: 21 Apr 2012

Thiruvananthapuram : The Italian government has proposed a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of two Indian fishermen, who were allegedly shot dead by security personnel of Italian ship Enrica Lexie, media reports said on Friday. 

Italian Defence Secretary met with the shipping company and family members of the fishermen to discuss an out-of-court settlement.

Meanwhile, troubles sparked between the Centre and the Kerala government over the entire episode as the central government on Friday told the Supreme Court that the Kerala Police have no 'authority' to detain the ship or even investigate into the matter as the incident occurred on 'high seas'.

Reacting to the Centre's stand, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said: 'I do not agree with the view.'

He said the state took the steps after consulting the Centre.

The incident has already triggered a diplomatic tug-of–war between Italy and India.

Two Italian mariners Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone were taken into judicial custody since February 20.

On Feb 15, security officials of the Italian cargo vessel Enrica Lexie allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen mistaking them as pirates in the high seas off Ambalapuzha in Kerala. (IBNS)