Expat, 62, dies on way back home

A 62-year-old Bahrain resident died on way back home yesterday. The deceased was identified as Abdul Ghaffar, who hailed from the Indian state of Maharashtra. His immediate survivors include two daughters and a son. Abdul Ghaffar was working as a heavy driver with leading mining, earth moving and marble supply company in the Kingdom for the past 17 years.  Family sources said the death occurred in Dubai, from where he was supposed to catch a connecting flight to India. They also alleged that he remained unpaid for the past 11 months.

Speaking to Tribune, Sanobar, daughter of the deceased, said: “My father had been working in the same company for almost 17 years. He was telling us that the company has been suffering huge losses in recent times and wasn’t paying wages to its employees.

“My father wasn’t paid for 11 months and the dues are still pending. His company would offer him voluntary retirement and provided him with a flight ticket back home. “On his way home, we are still unsure as to whether he passed away at the airport or aboard the flight. Officials concerned has informed us that legal procedures are being carried out to fly the body home.