Indian man shot dead in crossfire between cops, smugglers in Saudi Arabia

UPDATED: Nov 1, 2025 05:32 IST

A 27-year-old man from Jharkhand’s Giridih district was killed in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after getting caught in a crossfire between local police and suspected liquor smugglers. The victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato, a resident of Dudhapania village under Dumri block, had been working in a private company as a tower line fitter for the last nine months.

According to officials, Mahato was killed in Jeddah on October 16. His family initially believed he had survived after being injured, news agency PTI reported.

“He had sent a voice message on WhatsApp to his wife, Basanti Devi, saying he was caught in a crossfire and had been hurt,” said Sikander Ali, a social activist who works on migrant worker issues.

“Devi informed her in-laws, but they thought he was being treated. It was only on October 24 that his company told the family he had died in the shootout,” Ali added.

He said the exchange of fire took place between Jeddah police and an extortion gang linked to the illegal liquor trade.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO BRING BACK THE BODY

Officials from Jharkhand’s labour department said they were working with Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia to bring Mahato’s body home.

Shikha Lakra, team leader at the Migrant Control Cell, confirmed that the department received information about the incident and a formal request from Giridih to repatriate the remains. “We got in touch with the Indian Embassy immediately and are trying to contact Jeddah police authorities to complete the formalities and bring back the body to his native place,” Lakra told PTI.

CALL FOR COMPENSATION

Ali said he had alerted both the state labour department and the Giridih district administration to assist Mahato’s family — and to seek compensation from Saudi authorities.

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With inputs from PTI.