Indian Umrah pilgrims killed in tragic bus accident near Madinah; Consulate sets up 24/7 helpline
_vb_29.jpeg)
Jeddah: A tragic bus accident involving Indian Umrah pilgrims occurred late Sunday night near Madinah, Saudi Arabia, according to a press release from the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.
In response to the incident, the Consulate has activated a 24x7 Control Room and a series of helpline numbers to assist the pilgrims and their families.
In the statement, the Consulate expressed its "deepest condolences to the bereaved families."
The official helpline contact details are as follows:
1. Toll-free: 8002440003
2. Telephone: 00966122614093, 00966126614276
3. WhatsApp: 00966556122301
Both the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are "extending fullest support" and are in close communication with Saudi authorities, including the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry and local officials. The missions are also coordinating with the concerned Umrah tour operators.
A team of Consulate staff and Indian community volunteers has been deployed to the ground to assist at various hospitals and sites.
Officials from the Embassy and Consulate are also in touch with concerned officials from the State of Telangana to coordinate support for the affected families.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
