RIYADH: The owner of a company in Riyadh is reluctant to approve the repatriation of the body of his employee who died six months ago unless he receives SR170,000 because of damage that he claims has been caused to his business. Vijay Mohan Ashawi, an Indian storekeeper was found dead in his accommodation six months ago. The employee was suspected of committing suicide for undisclosed reasons. However, Ashawi's employer says the untimely death of his employee caused him to incur financial losses. Shihab Kottukad, president of the Pravasi Rehabilitation Center (PRC), a social organization, which is handling the case of Ashawi said the employer is adamant even six months after the death of his Indian employee. Kottudad said that the employer alleged that Ashawi had procured goods worth SR170,000 from supplying companies on a credit basis, and that the goods must be paid for. Kottukad said Ashawi was working for the past 20 years with the company as a storekeeper and the relations with his employer were good during all those years. However, the company stopped paying the basic monthly salary for the past one year and prevented him from going on his annual vacation. According to the medical report, Ashawi committed suicide and the case was reported to the police. The police are waiting to receive an approval letter from the sponsor, which is required before the body of a foreign national can be repatriated. “The sponsor is adamant and is demanding money from the next of kin of Ashawi,” Kottudad said. He said the Indian Embassy has authorized him to negotiate the case with the sponsor and repatriate Ashawi's remains as soon as possible, because relatives are anxiously waiting to complete the last rites of the deceased. Police contacted the sponsor to get his approval, but failed to make any breakthrough in the case. “Police have referred the case to the Riyadh Governorate for a final decision,” said Kottukad.
