UAE-based Indian entrepreneur Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has delivered a Rs 2.6 crore humanitarian relief package to the families of workers who died in a tragic road accident in Dubai. The funds have reached homes in Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, providing immediate financial assistance and pledging further educational support for the victims' children.
Relief Distribution and Family Visits
Representatives from Dr Shamsheer's office personally visited the bereaved families across rural Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. They offered condolences and handed over Rs 26 lakh to each of the six Indian families who lost a loved one. A representative also traveled to Sri Lanka to support the family of the Sri Lankan victim. The relief initiative follows a June accident in Dubai where a minibus carrying workers collided with a stationary truck, killing seven and injuring nine. The victims were migrant workers, prompting grief and support from both the UAE and Indian communities.
Telangana Families: Stories of Loss and Resilience
Three workers from Telangana died in the crash: Saleem Sayyed Hussain (51) from Namilikonda, Jagitial district; Abdul Rafiq Abdul Raheem (37) from Kaddam, Nirmal district; and Thirupathi Gollapally Chandraiah (23) from Thakkallapalle, Jagitial district. Saleem, who had been in the UAE for about two-and-a-half months, is survived by his wife Sayyad Goreebee and three children. Family members said he aimed to build a better home and support his children's education. One child has health challenges, and marriage discussions had begun for his elder daughter. Thirupathi's parents described their hopes for their son, who had gone to the UAE for the first time seven months ago. He would call home to share his experiences adjusting to work and life abroad, including the difficulties of outdoor labor. Abdul Rafiq is survived by his wife Raziya Begum and their young daughter Rida Fathima. Villagers remember him as warm and helpful. His father Abdul Rahan, who lost two other children in a 2015 road accident in Telangana, said the family is struggling to rebuild life once again.
Uttar Pradesh Families: Unfinished Dreams
In Uttar Pradesh, the visits covered the families of Abdul Rasheed Zakir Husain (38) from Kopaganj, Mau district; Markandey Chauhan Bhajjan Chauhan (39) from Khurahat, Mau district; and Mohammad Saqib Liyaqat Ali (31) from Sahaspur, Bijnor district. Markandey's family recalled his long years of work in the Gulf and his dreams for his children. He is survived by his wife Sarswati Devi and three children, including 17-year-old Ankita Chauhan, who recently completed Grade 12. During a video call, Dr Shamsheer, founder and chairman of VPS Health, spoke with the family. When Ankita expressed her wish to pursue BSc Nursing, Dr Shamsheer said, "We will support you to complete your education. Study well and complete the course. We will be happy to bring you here after that. Markandey ji will be remembered every day through you." At Kopaganj, Abdul Rasheed's family said he had left home exactly two months before the accident. He is survived by his wife Farida Khatoon and three young daughters. "He had told us this would be his last journey abroad to find a job, and that once he returned, he would not go again," said Mohammed Aamir, his wife's brother. The family said Abdul Rasheed wanted to educate his children and improve their small house. In Sahaspur, Mohammad Saqib's family said he had gone to Dubai for the first time eight months ago after working as an aluminium fabricator. He hoped to support his mother and sisters and stayed on despite challenges, hoping the UAE would help him build stability for the family.
Support for Injured Workers and Sri Lankan Family
Financial assistance has also been extended to the nine injured survivors in coordination with the workers' employer. The amount was distributed based on the severity of their injuries and recovery needs. Among the injured, eight are Indian nationals: three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Rajasthan, and one each from Kerala, Telangana, and Bihar. One injured worker is a Nepali national. Four received the amount in the UAE, three in India had it transferred to their accounts, and two critically injured workers still undergoing treatment at a Dubai hospital have also received the support. The relief also reached Sri Lanka, where a representative traveled from Colombo to Mullaitivu district to meet the family of Samuvel Rengasami (34), the sole breadwinner, who is survived by his wife Rajarathnaraja Jeevarani and a young daughter. Education support for the children of the deceased is being assessed and will be coordinated directly with the families.
