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A young Indian expatriate worker from Jharkhand was tragically killed in Saudi Arabia after being caught in a crossfire between local police and suspected liquor smugglers.

The victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato (around 25 years old) of Dudhapania village in Giridih district, had been working for the past nine months with Hyundai Engineering and Construction as a tower line fitter. According to reports, he had gone to a work site to collect materials on the instructions of a senior company official when police opened fire during an anti-smuggling operation.

Vijay, who happened to be passing through the area, was accidentally struck by a police bullet. He was rushed to hospital with injuries but succumbed on October 24.

Shortly before his death, Vijay sent a WhatsApp voice message to his wife, Basanti Devi, saying he had been hurt in a crossfire. His family initially believed he was recovering, unaware that he had already died.

“He told his wife he was caught in a crossfire and injured,” said Sikander Ali, a social activist who works on migrant worker issues. “The exchange of fire reportedly took place between Jeddah police and an extortion gang linked to the illegal liquor trade.”

Ali said the family learned about his death only after the company informed them on October 24.

Efforts Underway to Repatriate the Body

Following the incident, Dumri MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato wrote to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, demanding an impartial probe into the circumstances of Vijay’s death.

In his letter, the legislator urged the embassy to ensure a thorough investigation and expedite arrangements to bring back the body. He also called for legal and financial assistance to be extended to the bereaved family.

Officials from Jharkhand’s Labour Department said they are coordinating with Indian authorities in Saudi Arabia to repatriate the remains.

“We immediately contacted the Indian Embassy and are in touch with Jeddah police to complete the formalities,” said Shikha Lakra, Team Leader at the Migrant Control Cell.

Call for Compensation

Social worker Sikander Ali said he had also alerted the state labour department and Giridih district administration to support the family and seek compensation from Saudi authorities.

Vijay is survived by his wife Basanti Devi, two sons — Rishi Kumar (5) and Roshan Kumar (3) — his father Suryanarayan Mahato, and mother Savitri Devi.

Faridabad: A 19-year-old college student in Haryana’s Faridabad died by suicide after being allegedly blackmailed with obscene, AI-generated images and videos of his three sisters, police said on Sunday.

The victim, identified as Rahul Bharti, a second-year student of DAV College, had been visibly distressed for nearly two weeks before his death. His father, Manoj Bharti, said Rahul had withdrawn socially, stopped eating properly, and spent most of his time in his room.

According to the family, unknown persons allegedly hacked Rahul’s phone and used artificial intelligence to create morphed obscene visuals of him and his sisters. The accused, identified as ‘Sahil’ in Rahul’s chat records, demanded ₹20,000 to delete the material and threatened to circulate it online if he did not comply.

In the final chat exchange, ‘Sahil’ allegedly goaded Rahul to end his life, even suggesting ways to do so. Distressed and fearful, Rahul reportedly consumed poison around 7 pm on Saturday. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he died during treatment.

“Someone sent obscene videos and photos of my daughters to Rahul’s phone and threatened to make them viral. My son couldn’t bear the harassment and took his own life,” said his father, breaking down.

The family suspects the involvement of another man, Neeraj Bharti, who had spoken to Rahul just hours before the tragedy. Rahul’s mother, Meena Devi, alleged that Neeraj—her brother-in-law—along with a woman, conspired to torment the family following a domestic dispute six months ago.

Based on the family’s complaint, the police have registered a case against two accused.

“Rahul had consumed poison and died during treatment. A case has been filed on his father’s complaint. The mobile phone is being examined, and further action will be taken based on the investigation,” said Investigating Officer Sunil Kumar.

NRI entrepreneur Zakariya Jokatte, founder of Saudi Arabia’s Al Muzain Company, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025–26 Karnataka Rajyotsava Awards.

The award, announced by the Department of Kannada and Culture, recognises him under the Non-Resident Kannadiga (NRI) category for his business achievements and social work.

Expressing surprise over the award Zakariya said: “I never applied for it. Some friends must have nominated me quietly. I grew up in poverty, so I know what it means to struggle. Helping others has always been my way of giving back.”

“This honour is both a joy and a reminder of my responsibility to society,” he added.

Born in 1958 in Thokur near Mangaluru, Zakariya is the eldest of five children. He left school early and began working small jobs, including selling jaggery and welding, before moving abroad for labour work. He recalls carrying cement up 28 floors during his early years in the Gulf.

In 2008, he founded Al Muzain Manpower Company in Jubail with his son and three employees. The firm now employs more than 8,000 workers, with plans to expand to 10,000 by 2027.

Over the years, Zakariya has diversified his business interests across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, London and India. He has also invested in education, establishing an international school in Al Khobar in partnership with Yenepoya Institutions, and plans to launch a hospital and medical college.

Based in Bolar, Mangaluru, Zakariya is also known for his philanthropic work. Through the M Friends Charitable Trust, Hidaya Foundation and Zara Family Charity Trust, he supports welfare projects for disadvantaged communities.