Two From Karnataka Among Victims Of Saudi Arabia Bus Tragedy

Bidar/Hubballi: Two pilgrims from Karnataka died in Monday’s bus accident in Saudi Arabia, leaving their families devasted and distraught.

Officials in Bidar identified one of the victims as 80-year-old Rahmat Bee of Mailur CMC Colony. She had gone to Saudi Arabia via Hyderabad, officials said. On Monday, the state government officials confirmed the death of Abdul Gani Shirahatti, 55, from Hubballi.

Bidar district in-charge minister Eshwar B. Khandre expressed condolences over the death of Rahmath Bee. He said the government had announced a compensation of `5 lakh to her family. Minister for Haj Rahim Khan spoke to her family members and assured them that assistance would be provided for every requirement.

The family of 55-year-old Abdul Ghani Shirahatti said he as employed as a driver at a hotel in Dubai and had proceeded to Saudi Arabia on November 9 for the pilgrimage.

“My uncle has been working in Dubai for the past twenty years. He called me on November 16. He had been wanting to go and perform the Umrah, and unfortunately this incident happened. We came to know about his death on Monday afternoon. One of his friends, based in Hyderabad, informed us about it as his family had also gone for the pilgrimage,” Ghani's nephew Parvez told PTI.

As the news reached his home, relatives and neighbours rushed to offer support, many of them inconsolable as they mourned the loss. Congress MLA Abbayya Prasad met Ghani's family and assured them of the government’s support.