'Call Got Disconnected...': 26-Year-Old UP Man Killed In Missile Attack In Riyadh, Claims Family

Last Updated:March 21, 2026, 13:10 IST

Ravi Gopal from UP died in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, his family claims. Family seeks help to bring his body home as Indian authorities coordinate support.

A 26-year-old Indian man was killed in a suspected missile attack in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, according to his family. The deceased, identified as Ravi Gopal, hailed from Baghain village under Mahmudabad police station limits in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Gopal had been working as a driver at a plastic factory in the Saudi capital since September 2025.

Ravi’s wife, Ritu, said he last spoke with the family on March 18 around 9.30 pm. “The call got disconnected after about 20 minutes, and when we tried calling back, we found the phone switched off. We also tried contacting his friends there, but could not reach anyone," she told PTI.

The family said they learnt about his death the following day from his friend Ram Niwas, a native of Barabanki who is also employed in Saudi Arabia. According to them, Ram Niwas told them that Ravi died in a missile strike near the factory where he worked.

Ravi’s elder brother, Manmohan Dayal, said the family was informed that Ravi had been on duty when debris from the attack buried him. “He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. Ram Niwas identified the body," he said.

Further, the local police in Mahmudabad have contacted the family to collect details related to the incident and Ravi’s employment as part of the verification process. A relative of the victim who also works in Saudi Arabia and was about 1,400 km from Riyadh was expected to travel there to help confirm the situation.

Ravi, the sole earning member of his household, is survived by his wife and their four-year-old son. The family has appealed to authorities for compensation and assistance in bringing his body back home.

Mehmudabad Sub-Divisional Magistrate BK Singh told PTI that the administration is in regular contact with the family. “The details of the family have been gathered and shared with the government for further action. The administration is in touch with the family members," Singh said.

At a briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan said the government had received information late on March 18 regarding the “tragic demise of an Indian national" during an attack in Riyadh. He expressed condolences and said the Indian Mission in Riyadh is coordinating with local authorities for the early return of the mortal remains. The Embassy of India in Riyadh also confirmed in a social media post that an Indian national was killed on March 18.

News india 'Call Got Disconnected...': 26-Year-Old UP Man Killed In Missile Attack In Riyadh, Claims Family

Read More