In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a bus carrying Indian pilgrims met with a horrific accident in Saudi Arabia. The bus was travelling from Mecca to Madina when the accident occurred on Monday.
Chief Minister's Immediate Response
Telangana Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy expressed profound shock upon receiving the news. Reacting immediately to preliminary information, the CM ordered the Chief Secretary and the DGP to ascertain the full details of the incident. The Chief Minister's office confirmed that several residents from Hyderabad were among the pilgrims on the bus.
The state government has swung into action, establishing contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to coordinate relief efforts. CM Revanth Reddy also instructed officials to liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy to ensure all necessary measures are undertaken promptly.
Helpline Numbers Established for Families
To provide crucial information and support to the anxious families and relatives of those involved, the Telangana government has set up a control room at the Secretariat. This control room will monitor the situation and relief measures on an ongoing basis.
The contact numbers for the Control Room in Hyderabad are:
- +91 79979 59754
- +91 99129 19545
Simultaneously, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has also established a 24x7 Control Room. The contact details for this helpline are:
- 8002440003 (Toll-free)
- 0122614093
- 0126614276
- 0556122301 (WhatsApp)
Political Leaders Extend Support
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also condoled the tragic incident. He stated that he was in touch with Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, who assured him that they are actively gathering information.
Owaisi revealed that he has contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared the passengers' details with the Riyadh Embassy and the Foreign Secretary. He has requested the Union Government, specifically External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, to ensure the repatriation of the bodies and provide proper medical treatment for any injured individuals.
Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao has promptly spoken with Coordination Secretary Gaurav Uppal in Delhi and issued the required directives to manage this crisis effectively. The state and central governments are working in tandem to provide all possible assistance.
