A resident of Hyderabad shows a photo of his relatives who died in a bus accident in Medina, Saudi Arabia. | Photo credit: PTI
A three-member delegation from Telangana consulted the Consul General of India in Saudi Arabia and other officials on procedures for DNA testing, sample matching and logistical support after the death of 45 Indian pilgrims, including several from Hyderabad, in a bus accident near Madinah, Minority Welfare Minister B. Shafiullah told The Hindu.
Mr Shafiullah, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, said on Wednesday that the delegation – comprising himself, Minister for Minority Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin and Nampally MLA Mohammed Majid Hussain – had held a series of meetings with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who are in constant dialogue with the Saudi authorities.
According to Mr. Shafiullah, the bodies of the victims are currently housed in three different hospitals in Saudi Arabia. He said that since their arrival, the delegation has been concentrating on completing the required paperwork and ensuring that identification protocols are carried out promptly.
Where necessary to confirm identity, DNA tests will be conducted, he said. Once the results are available, no-objection certificates will be obtained from the families in Hyderabad to see if they prefer repatriation or burial in Saudi Arabia. “It’s a very sad moment for all of us. Unfortunately all the bodies are charred and will require DNA tests to establish the identity,” he said.
Mr. Shafiullah said the state government was in regular contact with the families of the victims and that all possible support would be extended. “Our priority is to ensure that the families do not face any procedural difficulties during this period of immense grief,” he said.
Published – 19 Nov 2025 21:14 IST
