Hyderabad: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has assured a probe into complaints of theft and damage to baggage belonging to Haj pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia. The assurance came after pilgrims in Lucknow and Ahmedabad alleged that valuables were missing and luggage had been tampered with.
Speaking after a review meeting on Haj 2027 preparations, Rijiju said authorities would investigate reports of broken locks, damaged suitcase zippers and stolen personal belongings. He noted that CCTV surveillance is in place in baggage handling areas and the complaints would be examined seriously.
Pilgrims arriving in Lucknow from Jeddah and Madinah staged protests after discovering missing valuables. Some alleged that perfumes, jewellery, hijabs and other personal items were stolen from their luggage.
Haj Pilgrims Baggage Theft Complaints Raise Concerns
Another complaint emerged from Ahmedabad, where pilgrims alleged that their baggage arrived several days after them and was left outside the airport. According to reports, the luggage reached Ahmedabad four to five days after the passengers had landed.
Akasa Airlines handled transportation of pilgrims and baggage between Ahmedabad and Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Airlines operated flights on the Lucknow route.
Despite the complaints, Rijiju described Haj 2026 as a successful pilgrimage operation. He said improved management reduced complaints and helped bring down the number of pilgrim deaths compared to previous years.
The minister stated that fewer than 90 Indian pilgrims died during Haj 2026, compared with more than 200 deaths during Haj 2024. He also addressed questions regarding India’s Haj quota and said any request for an increase would depend on updated Muslim population data after the next Census.
India’s Haj quota for 2026 stood at 1,75,025 pilgrims. Rijiju said updated demographic data could strengthen India’s case for a larger quota in future years.
The complaints regarding baggage theft, delayed delivery and damaged luggage have, however, sparked concerns among returning pilgrims and their families.
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