Jharkhand migrant caught in crossfire in Saudi Arabia dies, Govt makes effort to bring back body

The Jharkhand labor department has contacted the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the return of the body of a youth, 26-year-old Vijay Kumar Mahato of Dumri block in Giridih, who was killed in an encounter in Jeddah on October 16, officials said on Friday (October 31, 2025).

Shikha Lakra, team leader of the Immigration Control Cell under the labor department, said: PTI It was stated that the ministry received information from Giridih about the death of a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia and the request to return his body.

“We immediately contacted the Indian Embassy and are trying to contact Jeddah police authorities to complete the formalities and then bring the body back to his hometown in Jharkhand,” Lakra said.

Social activist Sikander Ali, who works on the issues of migrant workers, said: PTI He said the youth, identified as Vijay Kumar Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block of Giridih district, has been working as a tower line fitter in a private company for the last nine months.

Ali said, “On October 16, he sent a voice message via WhatsApp to his wife, Basanti Devi, informing her that he was caught in the crossfire and injured. Devi informed her father-in-law, but they were under the impression that he was being treated. On October 24, the company he worked for informed them that he had died in the conflict.” Ali said, adding that the conflict took place between the Jeddah police and an extortion gang.

“I came to know about the incident on Friday and informed the provincial labor ministry and Giridih district administration to not only return the body but also provide compensation from the Saudi Arabian authorities for the poor family members of the victim,” Ali said.