Shabbir Ali thanks CM Revanth Reddy for swift action on Umrah bus tragedy
Kamareddy: Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Sunday thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for responding swiftly and decisively to the Umrah bus tragedy in Saudi Arabia that killed 45 pilgrims from Hyderabad.
At a press conference, Shabbir Ali explained that the Chief Minister acted immediately after learning of the accident. He directed minority leaders and officials to convene at Haj House. Based on their input, the state government quickly rolled out three key measures to assist the victims’ families.
Firstly, the government arranged emergency visas, passports, and travel for two relatives of each deceased pilgrim. Within 24 hours, 44 family members reached Saudi Arabia. Notably, the state covered all expenses and ensured full coordination. “Everything was organised with care and urgency,” Shabbir Ali said.
Secondly, the Cabinet sanctioned a ₹5 lakh ex-gratia payment for each affected family. This financial support, he said, aimed to ease their immediate burdens.
Jannat-ul-Baqi burials conducted with coordinated support
Thirdly, a state delegation led by Minority Welfare officials travelled to Saudi Arabia. This team worked in close coordination with the Indian and Saudi governments. Moreover, the Centre sent its own delegation, including Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer.
Shabbir Ali confirmed that the victims were buried at Jannat-ul-Baqi, near Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah. The mosque’s Imam led the funeral prayers. Because families had specifically requested burial at the sacred site, the authorities honoured those wishes.
Furthermore, he praised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for ensuring consistent updates to the bereaved families. “From DNA identification to burial rites, the process moved with transparency and compassion,” he noted. “The collaboration between Telangana, the Centre, and Saudi Arabia truly stood out.”
Shabbir Ali extended his condolences to the grieving families and expressed gratitude to all involved departments. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Indian Embassy and Saudi officials, calling their coordination invaluable.