Saudi aid eludes Haj victim from Hyderabad

Saudi aid eludes Haj victim from Hyderabad
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Highlights

Even as the TS government flagged off the first batch of Haj pilgrims – 2016, the victim of 2015 crane accident from the State is still forced to run from pillar to post in search of the compensation of half a million Saudi riyals.

Hyderabad: Even as the TS government flagged off the first batch of Haj pilgrims – 2016, the victim of 2015 crane accident from the State is still forced to run from pillar to post in search of the compensation of half a million Saudi riyals.

It has been nearly one year since the crane accident claimed the lives of more than 100 pilgrims in Makkah tragedy. A pilgrim from Telangana, who underwent major surgery in King Abdul Azeez hospital in Makkah, is yet to get compensation from the Saudi government. His spleen was removed, forcing him to spend thousands of rupees in various hospitals in the city for treatment.

Being a small businessman and only breadwinner, Shaik Mujeeb, 39, resident of Bhavaninagar, Talabkatta, had spent all his savings after returning from Haj pilgrimage on medical care. On the ill-fated night, he was standing below the structure, where the crane crashed.

Fortunately his mother and wife escaped the accident. In the accident, his spleen was completely damaged and had to be removed. Even though the Saudi government provided free treatment for five days, after his return from Haj pilgrimage in 2015, it failed to compensate him despite several representations.

The Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud ordered 1 million Saudi riyals (about Rs 1.7 crore) compensation for the injured with permanent disability and half a million riyals compensation for those who suffered injuries in Haram accident. According to him, the Minorities Welfare Department was not keen to pursue the matter with the Saudi authorities.

To add to his woes, the insurance claim under the Central Haj Committee’s scheme was rejected on the ground that he was not eligible for the claim since his injuries were internal. His mother Najma Bee, who was also witness to accident, could only find his son on the third day in the hospital. With no one to take care of the family, she prays to god and hopes for some miracle.

Speaking to The Hans India, Special Officer Haj Committee, Prof S A Shukoor promised that the matter was being taken up by the Haj Committee and the government. “I took up the issue of compensation with the authorities concerned. Besides pursuing the issue with Saudi Embassy, we are trying to get the State government’s support in this case. Deputy Chief Minister has also promised ensure that government would extend financial support to him,” he said.

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