The National Police Agency said Thursday that 1,139 people have applied for government benefits for victims of Aum Shinrikyo's crimes since a law calling for such relief went into force Dec. 18. The applicants account for 17.3 percent of those eligible.
Of the applications filed with police during the period by victims and relatives of victims, the government has decided to make payments to 233 people so far. About 6,600 people are eligible for such relief, according to the agency.
Around 1,160 people have made inquiries with the police concerning the benefits but have not yet filed applications, while about 2,000 of the notices sent to those eligible have been returned as they could not be delivered to addressees, the agency said.