The owners of the nine vehicles, which were damaged in a riot in the Indian town of Chamurchi bordering Samtse, have not been compensated. The vehicles, which were under the custody of Banarhat Police, were returned to the owners after 36 days.
Two vehicles were torched and others damaged on November 23, last year, in a riot that ensued after an 18-year-old Indian help, working in a Bhutanese home, was found dead.
Investigations had later revealed that she was not raped and murdered as alleged earlier.
One of the owners, Buddha Singh, who is a sole bread-earner in his family, had bought Santro Taxi after taking a loan from a bank.
“Indian officials have told us that it may take up to three years for us to get the compensation.” He said they were advised to take back their vehicles from Banarhat.
Nar Maya Pradhan, who had visited Chamurchi on that day to buy a packet of tealeaf, is one of the affected. Her car was pelted with stones and smashed. “We had at least expected the officials from both sides to keep us informed about the progress. We are disappointed that they didn’t care to inform us since the day one.”
A few of them have not insured their cars. While others, who do have insurance, are not sure if the Insurance Company will pay them the claims.
“We were told by the Insurance Company that we are not eligible for the claims because it was a strike on that day. But you should know, this strike was called abruptly and it was beyond anybody’s control,” said Buddha Singh.
Another owner, Thinley Dorji said they are hoping to get compensated. He said he has no hope of getting compensated from the Indian side.
“Bhutanese government should come together with the insurance company and find a mean to compensate us.”
