Chennai, June 23 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday expressed deep grief over the death of three Tamil Nadu natives in a fire accident that occurred at an industrial facility in the Ras Laffan Industrial Area of Qatar on June 21 and announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to their families from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund.

In an official statement, the Chief Minister said he was saddened to learn that three young workers from Tirunelveli district lost their lives in the tragic incident.

The deceased have been identified as Habeeb (26), son of Thangaraja, from Chidambarapuram-Yakobpuram in Radhapuram taluk; Vajith Kumar (25), son of Muthuraja, from Sivagamipuram near Panagudi; and Suvin (24), son of Michael, from Azhagiyanambiyapuram.

Vijay conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and said the State Government was taking all necessary steps to bring the mortal remains of the victims back to Tamil Nadu at the earliest.

He stated that efforts were being coordinated through the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Qatar to expedite the repatriation process. The Chief Minister also said he had instructed Minister for Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils K.S. Thennarasu to closely monitor the situation and ensure swift action in all matters related to the victims and their families.

The State Government is maintaining contact with the relevant authorities to facilitate the return of the bodies and provide support to the affected families.

Announcing relief measures, CM Vijay ordered that a sum of Rs 10 lakh be provided to each of the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund. He said the financial assistance was intended to support the families during this difficult period and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to standing by them.

The Tamil Nadu Government has also issued helpline numbers for people seeking information regarding the accident.

Members of the public may contact the Overseas Tamils Welfare and Rehabilitation Department through the toll-free number 1800 309 3793 within India. For calls from abroad, the helpline numbers are +91 80 6900 9900 and +91 80 6900 9901.

The government said it would continue to monitor developments and extend all possible assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.

–IANS

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