‘Cheated by travel agency’: Mohiuddin Bava facilitates return of Umrah pilgrims from Saudi

Team Udayavani, Jan 5, 2025, 9:51 AM IST

Mohiuddin Bava

Mangaluru: Former MLA Mohiuddin Bava, with the help of his associates, facilitated the return of pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia after being defrauded by a travel agency.

A travel agency based in Kabaka had taken 172 individuals on an Umrah pilgrimage 17 days ago. The pilgrims were transported to Mecca and later to Madinah. However, the agency representative allegedly abandoned them in Madinah and returned to India, leaving the pilgrims stranded.

While over 100 pilgrims managed to return home with the help of their families, 58 individuals, including women and elderly people, were left in distress without support. On learning about the incident, Mohiuddin Bava coordinated with friends and organizations in Saudi Arabia to arrange for the stranded pilgrims’ return. They have since arrived safely at Mangaluru, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Bengaluru airports.

Demand for Action Against Fraudulent Agencies

Speaking to reporters, Bava said that the stranded pilgrims’ safety was prioritized, and their travel expenses were collectively covered. He urged authorities to revoke the licenses of such fraudulent travel agencies and take strict legal action against them.

Bava also advised the victims to file complaints with their respective police stations.