Shabbir Ali announces Rs 5 lakh ex gratia for Madina bus accident victims
Hyderabad: Advisor to Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir on February 12 said Rs 5 lakh ex gratia cheques for Madina bus accident victims will be handed over to bereaved families within a few days after model code restrictions end.
A delegation of Congress leaders and family members met Shabbir Ali at the Telangana Secretariat and raised concerns over the delay. Responding to them, he said the State Cabinet had approved Rs 5 lakh for each family during a late-night meeting. Officials prepared the cheques soon after the announcement.
However, he clarified that authorities postponed distribution due to the election code of conduct. He said the government avoided handing over the cheques during the election period to prevent legal or technical objections. “The cheques are ready and will be handed over within a day or two once the restrictions are cleared,” he stated.
Government support for Madina bus accident victims
Shabbir Ali said the victims were travelling to Madina for pilgrimage when the accident occurred. He added that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy immediately directed officials to extend full support to the affected families. Accordingly, the government sent a delegation to coordinate with authorities in Saudi Arabia.
He said officials conducted DNA tests and completed formal documentation to identify the bodies. The government anticipated these procedures in advance to avoid delays. Moreover, the relatives expressed their wish to conduct the burial in Madina. Respecting their sentiments, the government facilitated burial at Jannat al-Baqi after completing all formalities.
The Advisor said Minister Md Azharuddin and senior officials assisted in the identification and burial process. He described the intervention as timely and coordinated. Furthermore, he stated that the government sanctioned the assistance on humanitarian grounds and followed all procedures carefully.
Shabbir Ali reiterated that once the Chief Minister returns from Delhi and formal restrictions conclude, the government will distribute the cheques without further delay. He assured continued support to the Madina bus accident victims’ families and said all promised relief would reach them promptly.
