Ranchi, February 15 The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district, who was killed in Saudi Arabia last October, has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told news agency PTI that before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in what is alleged to be a crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a case involving a bullet injury, the matter is currently before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation will depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and we have coordinated with the district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said that the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for the deaths of migrant workers abroad. The compensation payment may take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The family members said they will only accept the body if the company provides a written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
