'Bullet Hit by Mistake': Jharkhand Worker Caught in Saudi Crossfire Sends Heartbreaking Voice Note to Wife

A 27-year-old man from Jharkhand’s Giridih district was shot dead in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after being caught in a crossfire between police and local criminals involved in the illegal liquor trade, officials and family members said. According to a report by The Indian Express, the victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato, a resident of Dudhapania village in Dumri block, had been working with Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company for about a year. He was part of a transmission line project in the Jeddah region. Caught in Gunfire Near Worksite Mahato’s brother-in-law, Ram Prasad Mahato, told The Indian Express that the incident occurred on October 15 when Vijay was walking near his worksite and got caught in a gunfight between Saudi police and extortionists operating in the area. “Vijay was nearby when the firing began. The bullet hit him by mistake,” Ram Prasad said. Vijay was taken to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The family was informed of his death on October 24. Before dying, he reportedly sent a voice note in Kortha language to his wife, saying he had been hit by a bullet meant for someone else and was pleading for help. He is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and his parents. Investigation Underway, Body Yet to Be Released Officials said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that the incident took place in the Jeddah region, under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah. The CGI has informed that Mahato’s death is being treated as suspicious, and his body remains in the custody of the Public Prosecution Office in Jumum, Makkah, pending investigation and the issuance of a Police Clearance Certificate. Shikha Lakra, head of the State Migrant Control Cell under Jharkhand’s Labour Department, said the process to bring back the body has begun. “The department referred the matter to the Protector of Emigrants (Ranchi) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for an investigation and repatriation of the mortal remains,” she said. Family members have said they will not accept the body until the company gives a written assurance of compensation. For all the latest news and india news, visit Times Now to get live updates and breaking news around the world.