Indian worker from Jharkhand killed in Saudi police shootout

Ranchi ;A 26-year-old Indian youth from Jharkhand, identified as Vijay Kumar Mahato, was killed in a crossfire between police and robbers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on October 16. The tragic incident has prompted the Jharkhand Labour Department to contact the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for assistance in repatriating his body.

Mahato, a native of Dudhapania village under Madh Gopali Panchayat in Dumri block of Giridih district, had been working as a tower line fitter for a private company in Saudi Arabia for the past nine months. According to reports, he was caught in the gunfire while returning from work when police engaged a gang of robbers.

Moments before his death, Mahato reportedly sent a WhatsApp voice message to his wife, Basanti Devi, saying he had been injured in the firing. His family initially believed he was receiving treatment, but a week later, his employer informed them that he had succumbed to his injuries.

Social worker Sikandar Ali, who works for migrant labour rights, told PTI that the Jharkhand government has been alerted about the case. “I came to know about the incident on Friday. I have requested the state Labour Department and Giridih district administration to ensure that the body is brought back and the family receives compensation from Saudi authorities,” he said.

The shootout reportedly occurred when Saudi police confronted a group involved in robbery attempts in Jeddah. Mahato was caught in the middle of the exchange and sustained fatal injuries.

Following the news, Jharkhand’s Labour Department reached out to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to expedite formalities for repatriation. “We have received information about the death of the migrant worker. The Indian Embassy has been contacted to assist with paperwork and coordinate with Jeddah Police so the mortal remains can be brought back to Giridih,” said Shikha Lakra, head of the state’s Emigration Control Cell.

Mahato’s death has left his family in deep distress. His relatives and villagers have urged both the Indian and Saudi authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and provide compensation to his wife and parents, who depended on his earnings.