‘Hit By Bullet Meant For Someone Else’: Jharkhand Worker Dies In Saudi Arabia Police Crossfire

Last Updated:October 31, 2025, 16:30 IST

The incident occurred when Vijay Kumar Mahato was walking near his worksite and got trapped in gunfire between police and local criminals.

Vijay Kumar Mahato’s brother-in-law Ram Prasad Mahato said the incident occurred on October 15.

A 27-year-old man from Jharkhand’s Giridih district was shot dead in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after being caught in crossfire 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, had been working with Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company on transmission line projects in Saudi Arabia for about a year.

Vijay Kumar Mahato’s brother-in-law Ram Prasad Mahato said the incident occurred on October 15 when Vijay was walking near his worksite and got trapped in gunfire between police and local criminals.

“Vijay was nearby when the firing began. The bullet hit him by mistake," Ram Prasad Mahato said. He said Vijay was rushed to a hospital but died of his injuries. The family learned of his death on October 24.

“Before dying, he even sent a voice note in Kortha to his wife, saying he had been hit by a bullet meant for someone else and was pleading for help," Ram Prasad Mahato said.

Vijay Kumar Mahato is survived by his wife, two sons aged five and three and his parents.

Shikha Lakra, head of Jharkhand’s State Migrant Control Cell, confirmed that the government had received a complaint from Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato. She said, “The process to bring back his body started today. The matter has been referred to the Protector of Emigrants (Ranchi) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for investigation and repatriation."

The official said that the Jharkhand government is in touch with Saudi authorities and the employer. However, Vijay Kumar Mahato’s family refused to proceed with the repatriation process until Hyundai Engineering provides written assurance of compensation.

“The company must be held responsible. We will not receive the body until we get written assurance," Ram Prasad said.

News world ‘Hit By Bullet Meant For Someone Else’: Jharkhand Worker Dies In Saudi Arabia Police Crossfire

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