What Compensation is Telangana Offering to Families of Umrah Pilgrims Who Died in Saudi Bus Incident?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Compensation of Rs 5 lakh announced for families of deceased pilgrims.
- Government delegation to assist families in Saudi Arabia.
- Last rites will follow religious traditions.
- Only one survivor reported from the tragic accident.
- Control room established for families to receive updates.
Hyderabad, Nov 17 (ANS) The government of Telangana has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each of the families of 45 Umrah pilgrims from the state who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident in Saudi Arabia.
This decision was made during a State Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday.
Additionally, it was resolved to dispatch a delegation of government officials, spearheaded by Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, to Saudi Arabia. This delegation will also comprise an MLA from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and a senior representative from the minorities welfare department.
As per an official statement, the Cabinet has also mandated that the last rites of the deceased be conducted according to their religious customs in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, arrangements will be made to send at least two family members of each victim to Saudi Arabia.
The Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad perished when their bus caught fire following a collision with an oil tanker close to Madina in Saudi Arabia.
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, only one pilgrim, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, survived and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
A group of 54 pilgrims from Hyderabad had departed for Jeddah on November 9, with plans to return on November 23.
After completing their Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Mecca, the pilgrims set off for Medina on Sunday night. The bus erupted in flames approximately 25 kilometers from Medina after colliding with the oil tanker.
“Out of the group, four pilgrims remained in Mecca, while four others traveled to Medina by car. The bus was transporting 46 pilgrims,” he stated.
The victims primarily hailed from areas such as Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam, and Toli Chowki in Hyderabad.
The deceased include 17 males, 18 females, and 10 children.
Minister Mohammed Azharuddin announced that a control room has been established at Haj House to provide updates to the families of the victims.
He noted that the bodies were severely burned and a DNA test may be necessary for identification.
Arrangements for the burial of the deceased in Saudi Arabia will be coordinated with the Indian Consul General.