Post by : Rameen Ariff

A 26-year-old Indian migrant worker from Jharkhand was tragically killed in a crossfire between police and an extortion gang in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, earlier this month. The Jharkhand labour department has contacted the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to ensure the safe return of his body to India.

The deceased, identified as Vijay Kumar Mahato, hailed from Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block of Giridih district. He had been working as a tower line fitter in a private company in Saudi Arabia for the past nine months, hoping to provide a better life for his family back home.

According to Shikha Lakra, team leader at the Migrant Control Cell under the Jharkhand labour department, the department was informed about the incident by local authorities in Giridih. “We immediately contacted the Indian Embassy and are coordinating with Jeddah police to complete formalities and bring back the body,” Lakra told PTI.

The shocking incident came to light after Vijay’s wife, Basanti Devi, received a voice message on WhatsApp from her husband on October 16, saying he had been caught in a crossfire and was injured. Believing he was under treatment, the family waited anxiously for updates. However, on October 24, his employer informed the family that he had died during the shootout.

Social activist Sikander Ali, who works for the welfare of migrant workers, said the crossfire broke out between Jeddah police and an extortion gang. “It’s a heartbreaking case. The young man was just doing his job when he got caught in the gunfire. I have requested the state labour department and Giridih administration to help the family and seek compensation from Saudi authorities,” Ali added.

The Jharkhand government has assured full support to the grieving family. Officials are working with the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite the repatriation process. The family of the deceased has also urged authorities to provide financial assistance, as Vijay was the sole breadwinner of the household.

The tragic death of Vijay Kumar Mahato highlights the risks many Indian migrant workers face while working abroad. It also brings attention to the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms and quicker coordination between governments in cases involving Indian nationals overseas.

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