Injured Haj pilgrim gets Rs 95 lakh compensation

Hyderabad: A Haj pilgrim from Hyderabad who was badly injured in Haj Crane tragedy in Saudi Arabia was awarded a compensation of Rs 95 lakh on Saturday.

More than four years after the incident on September 11, 2015, that claimed more than 100 lives, Shaik Mujeeb, who lost his spleen, received the compensation.

Home Minister Mahmood Ali handed over Rs 95 lakh cheque to Mujeeb and his family members in Telangana Bhavan on Saturday. Mujeeb, who went for Haj along with his mother is the sole bread earner of his large family comprising mother, wife and five children.

He makes a living by selling plastic items on pushcart. After the accident, he underwent surgeries and his spleen was completely removed in Saudi Arabia.

After continuous follow up actions and representations given to Saudi authorities by the Telangana government, the Saudi government issued a cheque of 1.33 lakh USD.

Mahmood Ali, who presented the cheque to Mujeeb thanked Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao for his support to Telangana Haj committee to pursue the issue with Saudi authorities.

Replying to a query, he stated that neither himself nor his government was giving shelter to Rohingyas. He explained that no irregularities took place in police recruitment as the Chief Minister himself monitored the process.

If anyone submits proofs about allegations, the government will probe the matter, he said. He also differed with TPCC allegations that false police cases are being booked in Huzurnagar.