Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammad Azharuddin with the Telangana government delegation.
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Arrangement
It is 6.15 p.m. IST, and even across continents the hour feels heavy. At that very time in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin and Department Secretary B. Shafiullah were on their way to the airport to receive 36 grieving relatives who have arrived to perform the last rites of the 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 initiated into the collision between the bus and the fuel tanker?
First of all, the incident is a tragic one and has left everyone shocked. A probe by the Saudi Arabia police, including traffic police, is under way. As of now, I do not have all the details, but the Telangana government and Saudi authorities are looking into it. We will get updates soon.
Where will the victims’ last rites be performed?
We have spoken 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 up on this request diligently. I am optimistic that the Saudi authorities will cooperate.
When will the burials take place?
We are waiting for relevant reports. Once those come, they will most likely be laid to rest on Friday, post afternoon prayers.
Tell us about the arrangements made for families of the victims.
Two members from the family of each victim will be put up at a hotel. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ensured swift action, including relief of ₹5 lakh for each bereaved family. Here too [in Saudi Arabia], he has instructed that no stone be left unturned to help the victims’ families. He has asked that the best facilities be extended to them.
Our delegation from Government of Telangana is in Saudi Arabia constantly reviewing the situation after the tragic bus accident involving Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad and coordinating with Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Shri Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri to ensure… pic.twitter.com/NI1faxUlyy
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) November 19, 2025
