08 June,2010 08:45 AM IST | | Kaumudi Gurjar
German Bakery compensation cheque ready but not signed, owner of joint goes home disappointed
Nearly four months after a blast destroyed the popular German Bakery in Koregaon Park, the owners are yet to see the compensation cheque.
After the state government agreed to give Rs 14.23 lakh to cover the damages suffered by the joint, owner Smita Kharose went to the Collector's office with hope in her heart.
Hours at govt office
She said she spent half the day at the Collector's office, but had to return empty handed as she was told the Collector was busy.
"I had to wait and did not get the cheque. I don't know when I will get the money," said Kharose. "I am waiting to invest the money on the rebuilding of the bakery."
Resident Deputy Collector Anil Pawar told MiD DAY the cheque was ready but not signed.
"The cheque is ready and we are waiting for Collector Chandrakant Dalvi's signature," said Pawar. "We are waiting for an opportune moment and will hand over the cheque at a ceremony."
Pawar added that the amount was arrived at after an assessment done by the police, tehsildars and officials of the District Collectorate.
Aliens' kin wait too
The families of four foreigner victims of the blast are also waiting for compensation because the consulates
concerned are yet to submit documents about their legal heir.
"In case we don't hear from them soon, we will submit the cheques to the Ministry of External Affairs," said Pawar.
