Telangana Announces ₹5 Lakh Compensation for Families of 45 Umrah Pilgrims Killed in Saudi Bus Accident

Hyderabad, Nov 2025 : The Telangana government on Monday announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of 45 Umrah pilgrims from the state who died in a tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia. The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

As part of the state’s response, the Cabinet also decided to send a government delegation to Saudi Arabia to coordinate support for the victims’ families. The delegation will be led by Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, and will include an MLA from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) as well as a senior officer from the minorities welfare department.

According to the official statement, the Cabinet resolved that the last rites of the deceased pilgrims be performed in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with their religious customs. The government will also make arrangements for at least two family members of each deceased pilgrim to travel to Saudi Arabia.

The accident occurred when a bus carrying the pilgrims caught fire after colliding with an oil tanker near Madina. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar briefed the media, stating that one pilgrim, Mohammed Abdul Shoaib, survived the crash and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

He said a group of 54 pilgrims from Hyderabad had departed for Jeddah on November 9, with their return scheduled for November 23. After performing Umrah in Mecca, the group left for Medina on Sunday night. While four pilgrims stayed back in Mecca and another four travelled separately by car, 46 pilgrims were in the ill-fated bus. The bus caught fire about 25 km from Medina, resulting in the massive loss of life.

Most of the deceased belonged to the neighbourhoods of Asif Nagar, Jhirra, Mehdipatnam and Toli Chowki in Hyderabad. The victims included 17 men, 18 women and 10 children, officials said.

Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin announced that a control room has been set up at Haj House to assist relatives with information and updates. He noted that the bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA testing may be required for identification.

Azharuddin added that he had spoken with the Indian Consul General, who assured him that all arrangements for the burial of the deceased in Saudi Arabia would be made in coordination with local authorities.

The state government said it remains committed to extending full support to the grieving families during this unprecedented tragedy.