Christian tomb gets insurance protection in Kerala

Kochi – In the first of its kind, a reputed Insurance company has provided an insurance cover worth Rs.1 lakh (USD $ 2300) to a Syrian Christian tomb in a cemetery in Aluva, Kerala.

The Karuveli family tomb at St Dominic Church is something precious for Mr. K A Antony, in whose name the policy was taken on December 23, 2005 as his only daughter was buried there 16 years ago.

''She was the only sister to four brothers. So, artworks and inscriptions were made lavishly on the sepulchre of 8 foot height,” UNI quoted Wilson, son of Antony, as saying. “We cannot imagine any damage to it.''

United India Insurance Company's Divisional Manager V.R. Ramachandran said they went for the novel measure with clearance from the head office, opening up new vistas of coverage.

''First, I did not take it seriously. But when he insisted, I took permission from the head office as it sounded very novel. He has been our long–standing customer. The yearly premium is Rs 551,'' Mr. Ramachandran said.

The tomb has been insured against vandalism, damage due to flood, earthquake, heavy rains, explosion, fire, landslide, lightning and terrorist activities.

''It is possible that as the vicars and administrative councils of the church change, there can be changes in policies. So, we thought of taking a precaution,'' Wilson said, adding that recently there was some dispute regarding the height of the tomb.

According to news reports, following the request, the insurance officials conducted thorough investigation with the church authorities and the public and after being assured that there was no wrong intention in such a request, they decided to go ahead with the coverage.