Watch: Mohammad Azharuddin attends final rites of 46 Hyderabad pilgrims killed in Madina bus tragedy

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin personally attended the final rites of the 46 victims who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident on November 16. Currently serving as a minister in the Telangana state cabinet, Azharuddin travelled to be with the bereaved families and offer his prayers. The mishap, which occurred near Madina, deeply affected families from Hyderabad who had sent their loved ones for Umrah.

Minorities Welfare Minister Azharuddin shared on Instagram a video where he is praying along with the bereaved families of the victims. In his message, he expressed gratitude to the Telangana Chief Minister and Saudi Arabian authorities for acting swiftly to help family members travel from Hyderabad to Saudi Arabia. Their support ensured that relatives could be present for the final rites.

He wrote, "The last rites of the 46 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad, who tragically lost their lives in the bus accident near Madina on November 16, were performed today in the holy city… May Allah grant the departed maghfirat and the highest ranks in Jannat, and give strength and patience to their families. Ameen." His post captured the emotional moment as prayers were held at Masjid-e-Nabawi followed by burial at Jannat-ul-Baqi.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy, writing on X, "Deeply saddened by the accident in Medina involving Indian nationals… Our Embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance." In the message Azharuddin sent, he highlighted the national grief over such a large loss of life.

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A post shared by Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks)

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Saudi authorities have begun investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred when the pilgrims’ bus collided with an oil tanker and caught fire around 1:30 am local time. Only one person survived the accident. An ex-gratia of INR 5 lakh has been announced for the families of those who passed away, and two members from each affected family were flown to Saudi Arabia. The Telangana government helped arrange travel, with Azharuddin playing an important role in coordinating the support.