Indian national, 27, shot dead during clash between police and smugglers in Saudi Arabia

A 27-year-old Indian worker from Jharkhand was tragically killed in Saudi Arabia after being caught in a crossfire between local police and suspected liquor smugglers.

The victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato, hailed from Dudhapania village in Giridih district and had been employed as a tower line fitter with Hyundai Engineering and Construction for the past nine months.

According to reports, the incident occurred when Vijay went to a work site in Jeddah to collect materials on his supervisor’s instructions. At the same time, local police opened fire during an operation targeting an illegal liquor network. Vijay, who was passing by, was hit by a stray bullet and later succumbed to his injuries on October 24.

Before his death, Vijay managed to send a voice note on WhatsApp to his wife, Basanti Devi, informing her that he had been injured in the firing. Initially, his family believed he was undergoing treatment, but they were later informed by his company that he had died in the shootout.

Social activist Sikander Ali, who assists migrant workers, said the crossfire took place between Jeddah police and an extortion gang linked to illegal liquor smuggling. “It was an unfortunate case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

Efforts to Bring the Body Home

Following the tragedy, Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato wrote to the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia, demanding an impartial probe and swift repatriation of the body. Jharkhand’s labour department has also stepped in to coordinate with Indian officials in Saudi Arabia to complete the formalities.

“We immediately contacted the Indian embassy and are working with local police to ensure the body is brought back to Giridih as soon as possible,” said Shikha Lakra, team leader at the Migrant Control Cell.

Call for Justice and Compensation

Ali confirmed that he had urged both state and district authorities to help Vijay’s family and to pursue compensation from Saudi authorities.

Vijay leaves behind his wife Basanti Devi, two young sons Rishi Kumar (5) and Roshan Kumar (3), and his parents Suryanarayan Mahato and Savitri Devi. His death has once again highlighted the risks faced by thousands of Indian migrant workers in the Gulf region and the urgent need for stronger safety and legal protections abroad.