Indian Migrant Worker Dies in Saudi Arabia Shootout: Body Repatriation Efforts Underway

26-year-old Vijay Kumar Mahato from Jharkhand lost his life in Saudi Arabia during a shootout incident.

Officials from the Jharkhand labour department have initiated contact with the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to arrange for the repatriation of the remains of Vijay Kumar Mahato, a 26-year-old man from Dumri block in Giridih. Mahato was tragically killed during a shootout in Jeddah on October 16, according to statements released on Friday.

Shikha Lakra, who serves as team leader at the Migrant Control Cell within the labour department, confirmed to PTI that they received information from Giridih about the migrant worker's death in Saudi Arabia, along with a request to facilitate the return of his body.

"We immediately established communication with the Indian Embassy and are working to connect with Jeddah police authorities to complete the necessary formalities before bringing the body back to his hometown in Jharkhand," Lakra explained.

Sikander Ali, a social activist dedicated to migrant worker issues, shared that Mahato was a resident of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block of Giridih district. He had been employed at a private company as a tower line fitter for approximately nine months.

"On October 16, he sent his wife Basanti Devi a voice message via WhatsApp stating that he had been caught in crossfire and sustained injuries. Devi informed her in-laws, but they believed he was receiving medical treatment. It wasn't until October 24 that his employer notified them of his death in the shootout," Ali revealed, noting that the incident occurred between Jeddah police and an extortion gang.

"After learning about this case on Friday, I notified both the state labour department and the Giridih district administration, urging them not only to arrange for the repatriation of the body but also to ensure that compensation is provided by Saudi Arabian authorities to support the victim's impoverished family members," Ali added.