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Bahrain victims' bodies lie in Mumbai, B'lore airports

Twenty-two Indians were among 58 people killed when a tourist dhow sank in Bahrain on March 30.

Published on: Apr 4, 2006, 17:51:00 IST
None | By , New Delhi
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Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vyalar Ravi has asked Indian airport and immigration officials to explain the reported delay in the release of bodies of Bahrain boat tragedy victims from Bangalore and Mumbai.

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"I have been informed that there was an unjustified delay in releasing the bodies of boat tragedy victims from Bangalore and Mumbai. I have sought a report on it to find out who was responsible for it," Ravi said.

Twenty-two Indians were among 58 people killed when a tourist dhow sank in Bahrain on March 30.

The bodies of Indians were the first to be repatriated. Fourteen bodies were transported on Sunday night to seven airports in India.

According to the minister, the relatives of victims from Bangalore have complained they had to wait for five hours to get a clearance from the airport to take the bodies home.

"In Mumbai also there was a delay. We are not sure who was responsible for it," Ravi said.

"It is shocking. The ambassadors in the countries the victims were working in and the Indian community there worked round the clock to send the bodies to India. And our own officials here took it easy," Ravi said.

"I am taking it very seriously," the minister said.

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