Thiruvananathapuram:
The Italian government has offered a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of the two Indian fishermen allegedly shot dead by two Italian marines on February 15. Sources say the Italian government representatives and victims' families are drafting an agreement to be presented before the Kerala High Court today.
Italy's Defence Secretary also met with the families and the shipping company to plan an out-of-court settlement.
The two Italian marines, Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Gironi, were arrested for allegedly gunning down two Indian fishermen off Kollam coast on February 15. They were guarding Italian merchant vessel Enrica Lexie when they allegedly mistook the fishermen - Ajesh Binki, 25, from Tamil Nadu and Jelestine, 45, from Kerala - for Somalian pirates and fired at them.
Mr Massimillano and Mr Girone, the two accused Italian marines, were booked for murder and arrested on February 20, their remand since extended till April 30 by a court in Kollam.