On October 15, a 27-year-old Indian from Jharkhand’s Giridih district was shot dead in Saudi Arabia during a police crossfire. He was caught in a shootout between local police and an extortion gang involved in the illegal liquor trade.
Who was Vijay Kumar Mahato?
Employed with Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, Vijay Kumar Mahato had been living abroad for nearly a year, working on transmission line projects.
Vijay’s brother-in-law, Ram Prasad Mahato, told the Indian Express, “Vijay was nearby when the firing began. The bullet hit him by mistake."
He added that Vijay was rushed to a hospital but could not survive the gunshot wounds. The family was informed of his death days later, on October 24.
“Before dying, he even sent a voice note in Kortha to his wife, saying he had been hit by a bullet meant for someone else and was pleading for help," Ram Prasad said.
The Jharkhand native leaves behind his wife, two little sons aged five and three, and his ageing parents.
Jharkhand Govt steps in to repatriate body of Vijay
Notably, the Jharkhand government has confirmed it is in touch with both Saudi authorities and the employer. Shikha Lakra, head of the State Migrant Control Cell, said, “The process to bring back his body started today. The matter has been referred to the Protector of Emigrants (Ranchi) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for investigation and repatriation.”
However, Ram Prasad said, “The company must be held responsible. We will not receive the body until we get written assurance."
