Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin with the Telangana Government delegation. | Photo credit: Arrangement
It is 18:15 IST and even in the continents this hour is difficult. Just then in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Minister for Minorities Mohammad Azharuddin and Ministry Secretary B. Shafiullah were on their way to the airport to receive 36 grieving relatives who had come from Hyderabad to perform the last rites of Umrah pilgrims who were killed in a road accident at Mufrihat, about 25 km from the Islamic pilgrimage site. Edited excerpts from Mr. Azharuddin’s interview:
Has an investigation been launched into the collision between the bus and the fuel tanker?
Firstly, the incident is tragic and shocks everyone. An investigation by the Saudi Arabian police, including the traffic police, is ongoing. I don’t have all the details yet, but the Telangana government and the Saudi authorities are looking into it. We will receive updates soon.
Where will the last rites of the victims be performed?
We spoke to the authorities here (in Medina) and requested that the victims be buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi, a historic cemetery deeply revered by Muslims. We have been following this request diligently. I am optimistic that the Saudi authorities will cooperate.
When will the funerals take place?
We are waiting for relevant news. Once they arrive, they will most likely be deposited on Friday after the afternoon prayers.
Tell us about the arrangements for the families of the victims.
Two family members of each victim will be accommodated in the hotel. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy assured swift action, including a relief of ₹ 5 lakh for each bereaved family. Here too (in Saudi Arabia) he ordered that no stone be left unturned to help the families of the victims. He asked that the best facilities be extended to them.
Our delegation from the Government of Telangana is in Saudi Arabia and is continuously reviewing the situation following the tragic accident of the Umrah Pilgrim Bus from Hyderabad and is coordinating with the Ambassador Dr. By Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Shri Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri to ensure… pic.twitter.com/NI1faxUlyy
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) November 19, 2025
