• Source:JND
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In a tragic turn of events, a 27-year-old migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district was shot dead in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after being caught in a police crossfire with an extortion gang. The victim, identified as Vijay Kumar Mahato, hailed from Dudhapania village under Dumri block and had been employed with Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company for about a year.

Final Voice Note To Wife

According to his family, the incident occurred on October 15 when Vijay was walking near his worksite to collect materials on the instructions of a senior company official. During that time, local police were conducting an operation against an extortion gang involved in illegal liquor trade. Caught in the exchange of fire, Vijay was struck by a stray bullet.

Before succumbing to his injuries, Vijay managed to send a voice note in the Kortha language to his wife, saying, “They were firing at someone else. I’ve been hit by mistake.” His brother-in-law, Ram Prasad Mahato, said that Vijay was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be saved. The family was informed about his death only on October 24.

Vijay is survived by his wife, two sons aged five and three, and his elderly parents. The bereaved family has refused to proceed with the repatriation process until Hyundai Engineering provides written assurance of compensation. “The company must take responsibility. We will not receive the body until they give written assurance,” Ram Prasad told reporters.

Government, Embassy Step In

Following the incident, Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato wrote to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Jharkhand Governor, demanding a thorough probe and the early return of the body. Jharkhand’s State Migrant Control Cell head, Shikha Lakra, confirmed that the state government had received a complaint regarding the case. “The process to bring back his body has started. The matter has been referred to the Protector of Emigrants (Ranchi) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for investigation and repatriation,” she said.

According to information shared by the Indian Embassy, the incident took place in the Jeddah region, under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah. The CGI has described the death as “suspicious” and stated that Mahato’s body remains in the custody of the Public Prosecution Office in Jumum, Makkah, pending investigation and issuance of a Police Clearance Certificate.

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Awaiting Justice

The tragedy has reignited concerns over the safety of Indian migrant workers in Gulf nations. Thousands of Indians, especially from rural Jharkhand and Bihar, work in construction and engineering sectors across Saudi Arabia, often under difficult conditions.

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As investigations continue, Vijay’s family in Giridih waits anxiously — not just for his body to return home, but also for justice and accountability from the company he served faithfully.

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