The grieving family of a young migrant worker from Rajasthan finally received his mortal remains on Thursday, more than a month after his mysterious death in Saudi Arabia. The body of 19-year-old Ramesh Kumar Meghwal, a resident of Meghwalon Ki Dhani in Balotra district, arrived at Jaipur Airport, ending an agonising 36-day wait fraught with procedural delays and unanswered questions.
A Long Wait for Repatriation
Ramesh Kumar Meghwal had travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 11, 2025, with hopes of supporting his family financially. His dreams were tragically cut short when he died on November 13 under circumstances his family firmly believes are suspicious. The family was informed of his death four days later, on November 17, plunging them into despair.
What followed was a frustrating battle with bureaucratic red tape. Despite persistent follow-ups by the distressed family, the release and repatriation of Ramesh's body were inexplicably delayed for over a month. The body was held up due to protracted procedural formalities in Saudi Arabia, leaving the family in a state of limbo and deepening their anguish.
Legal Intervention and Final Journey Home
With no progress in sight, the family sought legal recourse. Ramesh's mother, Teeju Devi, filed a petition seeking justice for her son. On December 11, taking note of the distressing delay, the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court issued a notice to the Saudi Arabian Embassy in India, demanding an explanation.
The court also directed the state government to ensure arrangements for transporting the mortal remains from Jaipur Airport to Balotra. The body finally arrived at the airport on Thursday afternoon. After the handover process was completed, it was entrusted to the family. Barmer MP Ummedaram Meghwal arranged an ambulance for the final journey from Jaipur to their home in Balotra.
Family Refuses Last Rites, Demands Answers
However, the family's ordeal is far from over. Stricken by grief and suspicion, they have taken a firm stand: they refuse to perform the cremation without first knowing the exact cause of Ramesh's death. The family insists on a thorough post-mortem examination in India.
"We believe he was being persecuted there. We want to know the reason for his death, and a post-mortem must be conducted before the last rites," said Gainaram, Ramesh's brother, voicing the family's conviction of foul play. Their resolve highlights the desperate need for clarity and justice for Indian workers abroad who die under unclear conditions.
In their search for help during the repatriation delay, the family also approached Charmesh D. Sharma, former director of the Rajasthan Seed Corporation, known for assisting Indians in distress overseas. The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Indian migrant workers and the complex challenges families face in bringing their loved ones home.
