Devimaya Bhandari, 27, who can hardly afford to remain in the capital, lost her husband in an accident at work on 20 March 2010. [break]
When she went to claim compensation and insurance of around Rs 800,000, she learnt that the money had already been taken by her brother-in law, Chhabilal Bhandari. On further inquiry she learnt that Chhabilal had already grabbed hold of the money while she was still observing the death rituals for her husband, Meghnath.
“My daughter and I should have first right to the compensation and insurance amount. I could plan for my daughter´s future with the money,” said the clearly distressed woman. “But while I was still observing the death rituals for my husband, my brother-in-law took it all away.”
Devimaya has documents to prove that Chhabilal drew the said money from the bank. There is also proof that Dineshchandra United Builders, where her husband used to work, had released Rs 830,000 as compensation and insurance payment to the deceased man´s family.
The documents show that Chhabilal presented himself as the guardian of the toddler in order to claim the money. “It would not have been possible without the involvement of staffers at the company and the bank. He had vested all rights to the money in me and my daughter. But we have become penniless finally,” she lamented.
According to Devimaya, money matters led to conflict in the family, which finally disowned her. “I then went to the area police station for help but to no avial. I visited social organizations but that didn´t help either."
Devimaya says that she would have given up by now if she did not have her daughter to bring up. “But I have a toddler whose entire future depends on me, and I demand that the amount be given back and kept in my daughter´s name,” she said.
According to a lawyer, Punya Khanal, the money could never be drawn by anyone other than the girl´s mother without the involvement of bank and company staff.
Meanwhile, DSP Basanta Lama at the district police office stated that the matter would be settled in the presence of both sides. “If it is proved she is a victim, we will definitely help her,” he said.
Related story
Insurance authority issues directives on monetary loss insuranc...
