Haj stampede: Victim’s kin in Mumbai awaits visas

The distraught family of Navi Mumbai resident Saleem Yusuf Shaikh, who died in the Haj stampede on Thursday, expressed dissatisfaction over Haj Committee of India’s

The distraught family of Navi Mumbai resident Saleem Yusuf Shaikh, who died in the Haj stampede on Thursday, expressed dissatisfaction over Haj Committee of India’s (HCI) response to their emergency visa applications.

Saleem Shaikh’s parents- Sabira (80) and Yusuf (100yr)- and their Panvel residence in Navi Mumbai. (Photo: Bachchan Kumar)

Shaikh’s wife Rukhsana reportedly suffered minor injuries and is now in Mina. The family, who lives in Highland Park building in Panvel, sought help from HCI for three visas to bring her back.

“My mother is in pain. We need three emergency visas to bring back her. However, HCI officials informed us they could not do much about it on weekend,” said Saleem’s elder son Javed. He also visited the office of consulate general of Saudi Arabia, but yet to receive an assurance.

Saleem’s father Yusuf Kamal, 100, and mother Sabira, 80, have not been able to come to terms with his death. “I don’t know whether my son is really dead or alive. We don’t have any idea where my daughter-in-law is,” Sabira said.

Zahir Hussain, deputy CEO of HCI confirmed that Sheikh is among pilgrims who died in the stampede in Mina and the last rite of the deceased will be performed there.