Vijay Kumar Mahato (26), from Jharkhand, died in a shoot-out in Saudi Arabia as police clashed with an alleged extortion gang, raising concerns about Indian workers’ safety abroad.
A 26-year-old Indian man from Jharkhand, Vijay Kumar Mahato, tragically lost his life in Saudi Arabia after being caught in the middle of a fierce crossfire between local police and an extortion gang.
The incident took place on Saturday, when Saudi police launched an operation targeting members of a gang involved in blackmail and extortion activities. According to reports, Mahato, who was employed in Saudi Arabia for the past two years, was accidentally struck by bullets during the encounter.
Caught In The Line Of Fire
- The shootout occurred in Al-Khobar, a city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
- Police opened fire on suspected gang members during a high-intensity chase.
- Mahato, who was passing by the area at the time, was hit by stray bullets and died instantly.
- Authorities have since launched an investigation into the gang’s activities and circumstances surrounding his death.
Local reports suggest the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has contacted Saudi authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Mahato’s body to his family in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district.
Family In Shock, Demands Government Help
Back in India, the victim’s family was devastated to hear the news. Mahato’s father urged the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure his son’s body is brought home quickly.
“Vijay went abroad to support our family. We never thought such a tragedy would happen,” his father told local reporters, appealing for government intervention.
India’s Growing Concerns Over Worker Safety
This incident has reignited discussions about Indian migrant worker safety in Gulf countries. India has a large workforce across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, many of whom are employed in low-income or labor-intensive jobs.
Officials have repeatedly highlighted the need for stronger bilateral safety protocols to ensure better protection and support for Indian workers abroad.
Key Facts
- Name: Vijay Kumar Mahato
- Age: 26
- From: Bokaro, Jharkhand, India
- Incident: Crossfire between Saudi police and extortion gang
- Place: Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
- Occupation: Worker in Saudi Arabia for two years
- Status: Deceased; repatriation process underway
What’s Next
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia is coordinating with the Saudi Ministry of Interior and Mahato’s employer for formal procedures. The embassy is also expected to provide financial and logistical support to the family under the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
