Hyderabad: A Telangana government delegation led by Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin has reached Saudi Arabia to co-ordinate relief efforts and oversee funeral arrangements for the victims of Monday’s bus tragedy, in which around 45 Hyderabad pilgrims lost their lives.

About 50 relatives of the deceased have been identified to travel to the Gulf nation for the funerals, which are expected to take place on Thursday. The bodies, which were burnt beyond recognition, have been preserved. DNA tests will be conducted with the families travelling to Saudi Arabia to facilitate death certification.

Sources in the Telangana government said they expect the Saudi authorities to extend compensation to the victims’ families, in addition to the ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh announced by the sta

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