Scramble for a share of bakery pie

It has been reduced to rubble, but the fight over what was once Pune’s most popular hangout continues. And it is all about who is entitled to the compensation for damage done to German Bakery when a bomb placed under one of its tables exploded on February 13, killing 11 and injuring 44.

It has been reduced to rubble, but the fight over what was once Pune’s most popular hangout continues.

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And it is all about who is entitled to the compensation for damage done to German Bakery when a bomb placed under one of its tables exploded on February 13, killing 11 and injuring 44.

There are at least three parties are in line for compensation.

Bakery owner Smita Kharose’s daughter, Snehal, said her case for compensation is legitimate. According Snehal, the bakery has suffered losses worth Rs 25 lakh.

“We have lost most of our furniture and costly items like huge refrigerators,” said Snehal, who wants to rebuild the landmark eatery. “Now we are waiting to see how the government compensates us for the loss.”

The bakery’s manager, Ram Gopal Karkee, claimed he ran the place and is paying employees’ salaries.

Karkee said he was hopeful that the government would help him rebuild the bakery.

“Even if bakery is shut, I have to pay salaries of waiters from my pocket,” said Karkee. “Not a single rupee should be misused by anyone.”

Neither brother was available for comment.

“It’s true that they too have claimed ownership. But that case is in court,” said Snehal.

After the blast, Pune’s Guardian Minister, Ajit Pawar, and District Collector, Chandrakant Dalvi, visited the bakery and assured Kharose of “all possible help”.

Aware that there were various claimants for compensation, Dalvi on Thursday said: “First the administration will complete panchanama. Once the claim is filed, we will verify it and then approve it according to procedure.”