Saudi bus tragedy: Indian delegation reaches Madinah to oversee relief efforts

A high-level Indian delegation led by Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abul Nazeer reached Madinah to supervise relief efforts after 45 Telangana pilgrims died in a road accident in Saudi Arabia. Relatives provided DNA samples as identification and repatriation processes gained pace.

Dubai:  A high-level delegation of the Government of India, led by Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abul Nazeer, arrived in Madinah on Wednesday to oversee relief efforts following the tragic road mishap that claimed the lives of 45 Telangana pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

The Governor is accompanied by Secretary (CPV and OIA) Arun Kumar Chatterjee and other senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs. The delegation will remain in the holy city to attend the last rites of the Hyderabadi pilgrims. The identification of bodies from the road accident has been gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia.

---

The relatives of the remaining victims arrived in Madinah on Wednesday from Hyderabad to offer samples for DNA testing. They were received by Telangana Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin along with Majid Hussain, MLA, at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

The relatives then drove to the forensic centre to give their samples for DNA tests. The sample collection process is almost complete, and results are expected to be released earlier than the anticipated timeframe, according to sources. On Tuesday, a group of relatives had already given their samples.

The bodies are likely to be released in a phased manner, official sources said.

Indian Ambassador Suhel Ahmed Khan and Consul General Fahad Khan Suri are camping in Madinah and coordinating the process with Saudi authorities.