Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has expressed shock over the stampede in Saudi Arabia that killed 717 Haj pilgrims including a woman from the state.
He expressed his grief over the tragic loss of lives in the tragedy that occurred Thursday in holy city of Mina.
In a statement, the chief minister wished speedy recovery of those injured.
Rao directed officials to ensure that the Haj pilgrims from the state are safe. He asked Minorities Welfare Secretary Omar Jaleel and Special Secretary in CMO Bhupal Reddy to provide all necessary assistance to the pilgrims.
The officials are in touch with the Indian consulate in Jeddah to gather information about the pilgrims from Telangana. Khadimul Hajjaj or volunteers accompanying the pilgrims have also been alerted.
The state government has opened a helpline to provide information to the relatives of the pilgrims. The helpline number is 040-23214125.