By Mirza Mosaraf Hossain, TwoCircles.net
The dead bodies of 11 Indians who died of asphyxiation in Southern Saudi Arabia’s Narjan, and working for city-based Eamar Almotahedon Co. Ltd. and Contracting Company are likely to be dispatched from the morgue and their bodies will be sent to India by Saturday. The other six injured in the incident are now recovering and are out of danger.
Moin Akhtar, an officer at the Consulate Press Information and Culture, who is handling this case, said, “We forwarded the requisite documents and sought affidavits of the dead persons from their families claiming them as the guardian or family relatives and once we get the affidavits we will proceed to send the dead bodies.” He also said that the External Ministry is regularly in touch with the victims’ families and trying their best to complete the formalities as soon as possible.
Explaining the reason of their death, Akhtar said there was a short circuit in the floor where these labourers were staying. As the short circuit took place early morning, all the windows of six rooms where they are sleeping were closed at that time which led to their death due to asphyxiation.
He also said that one officer is stationed at the hospital with the victims round the clock so that he can be accessible in time of their need. He added that though offices remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays in Saudi Arabia, the External Ministry has remained offices open to accelerate the proceedings for the dispatch of the dead bodies.
The said Company is also in touch with the External Ministry as well as the victims and they are trying their best to assist the Ministry so that the dead bodies could be sent to their families as soon as possible.
The authority of the Company have already talked about the compensation for the victims’ families with Indian Embassy and assured the Indian Embassy that it will be given as per the Islamic law of the Country. “A commission has been set up by the local Governor along with some members from other Ministry to investigate the case. Once, it completes, the amount of compensation will be declared as per the country’s law”, Akhtar said. He added that Indian Embassy, the Governor and the Company for the time being are paving the way to dispatch the dead bodies to their respective families.