Worker from TN killed in Libya due to road accident: Indian Embassy

NEW DELHI - The Indian Embassy in Tripoli has said that Murugaiah, a contract worker from Tamil Nadu, who was employed with a Korean group, died in a road accident in Libya.

It was earlier alleged that Murugaiah died in anti-government violence in Libya.

According to the Embassy: “During the night of Saturday, February 19, a group comprising of three Indians and two Egyptians were trying to cross over to Egypt by car from Tobruk (city in northeastern Libya). Their car met with a head on collision resulting in all three Indians receiving serious injuries.”

“They were admitted to Al Vatnam Medical Center in Tobruk. A number of Indian nurses are presently also working at the Center. Murugaiah reportedly succumbed to his injuries yesterday, the Embassy added.

The Indian Embassy in Tripoli further said that the other Indian nationals are still in the hospital and recuperating. The Mission is in regular touch with the Medical Center.

“As such the story of Murugaiah ’s death being a result of firing appears to be incorrect,” the Embassy said.

Earlier, the victim’s wife Vellathai submitted a petition to the District Collector seeking steps to retrieve the body of her husband.

Vellathai said her husband’s colleague Ashok Kumar informed the family on February 20 about the death of Murugaiah, employed with Hyundai group.

She said Kumar also told her he was seriously injured in the gunfire that caused a fire in the camp where the workers had been put up.

Vellathai has sought the intervention of the Government to bring back the body of her husband and also to ascertain the condition of the others, whose names were listed in the petition.

Libya is witnessing a volatile situation in the wake of unprecedented protests against the 41-year rule of Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi. (ANI)