Hyderabad: The Telangana government announced financial and administrative support for families of the state’s Umrah pilgrims who died in a bus accident near Madina in Saudi Arabia. Advisor to the government Mohammed Ali Shabbir said each bereaved family will receive Rs 5 lakh. The decision came after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
The accident killed 44 people travelling from Makkah to Madina. Officials said the bus collided with a tanker about 25 kilometres before Madina. Most passengers died at the site. Shabbir Ali said the news reached the Chief Minister early in the morning. Senior officers were directed to meet the families, assess their needs, and guide them on local and overseas formalities.
The government will cover costs for travel, documentation, and arrangements linked to the victims. This includes support for burial in Madina Sharif or transport of bodies to Telangana based on each family’s choice. Shabbir Ali said the cabinet reached a unanimous decision on the support package.
A high level delegation will travel to Saudi Arabia to work with local authorities and the Indian Embassy. The team will include Minority Welfare Minister Md Azharuddin, Nampally MLA Majid Hussain, and senior officials from the Minority Welfare Department. They will assist families with identification, paperwork, and coordination.
Officials confirmed they have received 44 passports and begun visa processing. Departments are working to speed up documentation. The state is also coordinating with the Government of India for the remaining requirements.
Shabbir Ali said the instructions from the Chief Minister were clear. Departments must ensure immediate implementation and full support for families both in Telangana and in Saudi Arabia.
