Riyadh: Mortal remains of Cuddalore worker brought home from Saudi Arabia
The mortal remains of Mani Karuppaiah from Edachithur in Cuddalore district, who passed away in Saudi Arabia on November 20, 2025, were flown to Tamil Nadu and reached his hometown on Tuesday.
Mani, who worked as a general worker in a marble factory in Riyadh, suffered a severe brain hemorrhage during duty hours in August 2024 and slipped into a coma. He was first treated at Shemaishi Hospital in Riyadh and later shifted to Ruwaydah Al-Ardh General Hospital, about 230 km from the capital, where he remained under treatment for more than seven months until his death.
After completing all legal and administrative procedures, the body was sent from King Khalid International Airport on December 8 at 10.35 pm via Sri Lanka on Colombian Airlines. It arrived at Tiruchirapalli International Airport at 9.15 am on December 9. His nephew Raja Duraisamy received the remains, which were taken by ambulance to Edachithur. The last rites were performed at 3 pm.
Riyadh-based pro-bono lawyer and social worker Adv. P. A. Hameed Padubidri coordinated the documentation process in liaison with the Indian Embassy. He had been following the case since Mani was admitted to hospital in August 2024. Efforts to shift Mani to India for treatment could not materialise due to legal hurdles.
Members of the Tamil community in Riyadh, including Rahim Suraj and colleagues of the deceased, Kumar Guru and Gughanathan Nagappan, also assisted in the process.
The family has thanked Adv. Hameed, the Tamil community members and the Indian Embassy for their support.
Mani is survived by his mother K. Vennila, wife Sanjalam, daughters Priya and Kaviyarasi, son Ponnarasan and other relatives. He had been employed in Riyadh for more than ten years.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
