A migrant worker from Jharkhand&rsquo;s Giridih district was killed in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after being caught in a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang involved in the illegal liquor trade.
The victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato, a resident of Dudhapania village under Dumri block, worked with Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on October 15 near his worksite in the Jeddah region when police opened fire during a raid against a local gang.
Before succumbing to his injuries, Mahato sent a heartbreaking voice note to his wife in the Kortha language, saying he had been mistakenly hit by a bullet meant for someone else. His family received news of his death on October 24.
Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and his parents. His brother-in-law, Ram Prasad Mahato, said Vijay was taken to a hospital but could not be saved.
Following the incident, Dumri MLA Jayaram Kumar Mahato urged the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to conduct a fair probe and expedite the repatriation of Mahato&rsquo;s remains. The Consulate General of India (CGI), Jeddah, termed the death &ldquo;suspicious&rdquo; and said the body remains with the Public Prosecution Office in Jumum, Makkah, pending investigation and clearance.
However, the family has refused to bring back the body until the company provides compensation. &ldquo;We will not receive the body until we get a written assurance of compensation,&rdquo; said Ram Prasad, demanding accountability from Hyundai Engineering.

Vijay Mahato died after being hit by a stray bullet during Saudi police-gang shootout

Jharkhand Worker Killed in Saudi Crossfire

Vijay Mahato died after being hit by a stray bullet during Saudi police-gang shootout

October 31, 2025 | 18:22 IST