The deceased, Ravi Gopal, a resident of Baghain village in the Mahmudabad area, had travelled to Saudi Arabia on September 18 last year for employment. He was working as a driver in a plastic factory in Riyadh.
According to family members, Ravi returned to his accommodation after work on the night of March 18 and spoke to his wife, Ritu, over the phone around 9:20 pm. The conversation lasted for nearly 20 minutes before it abruptly ended at approximately 9:53 pm.
Ritu said that she heard a loud explosion in the background moments before the call disconnected. Repeated attempts to reach him thereafter were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off. The following day, the family was informed by his friend, Ram Niwas—also working in Saudi Arabia—that Ravi had died in a missile strike near his workplace.
Ravi’s elder brother, Manmohan Dayal, stated that the family was informed that he was present at the factory when the strike occurred, leaving him trapped under the debris. He was later taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was identified by his friend.
Initially, the family claimed there was no immediate official confirmation from the Indian mission or local authorities. However, officials later acknowledged receiving information regarding the “tragic demise of an Indian national” in Riyadh on March 18.
Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, expressed condolences and stated that the Indian Mission in Riyadh is in contact with the family and coordinating with authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also confirmed the death through a social media post.
Local administration in Mahmudabad has reached out to the bereaved family and is collecting details related to the incident and Ravi’s employment for verification. A relative currently in Saudi Arabia, approximately 1,400 km from Riyadh, is expected to arrive in the city to assist in confirming the circumstances.
Ravi is survived by his wife and four-year-old son and was the sole breadwinner of the family. His death has left the family devastated, prompting them to appeal to the government for compensation and swift repatriation of his body.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mahmudabad said the administration is in constant contact with the family and has shared necessary information with higher authorities for further action. Meanwhile, the family has alleged delays in receiving timely assistance and said they have struggled to obtain clear information. His wife has appealed for urgent government intervention, stating that innocent families are bearing the consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the village, with residents awaiting further updates and administrative support.
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