“Indian Worker’s Desperate SOS From Saudi Desert Sparks Hunt, Embassy Appeals For Urgent Public Help”

National News: A disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a distressed man claiming to be from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking in Bhojpuri, he appeared stranded in a Saudi desert with a camel visible behind him. The man alleged his passport was taken away by someone named Kapil, who threatened to kill him if he demanded to return home. His trembling voice appealed directly to Indians worldwide. The video quickly spread, creating panic among viewers and raising questions about his safety. Authorities are still trying to verify his identity.

What did he say in video?

माननीय विदेश मंत्री @DrSJaishankar जी तत्काल संज्ञान मे ले, प्रयागराज हंडिया प्रतापपुर का रहने वाला फंसा सऊदी अरब मे...

पार्ट 1 सभी भाई बहन इस वीडियो को शेयर करें ताकि इसकी सहायता हो पाए 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5op97otITq

— कल्पना श्रीवास्तव 🇮🇳 (@Lawyer_Kalpana) October 23, 2025

In the viral clip, the man repeatedly begged for help, urging people of all religions to share his message widely. He said his only wish was to return home to his mother. He cried that his life was in danger and that no one was around him in the desert. His emotional words included a plea to ensure the video reached India’s Prime Minister. This direct cry from a helpless worker captured thousands of hearts online. Many described it as one of the most emotional SOS messages.

Embassy’s response and challenges?

The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia quickly issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter. It said officials were trying to trace the man but lacked essential details such as location, employer name, or contact number. Without those, they cannot launch a rescue. The mission appealed to Delhi-based lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav, who first shared the video, to provide more information from the source. The embassy also urged anyone in contact with the man’s family to reach out. Their message underlined how difficult rescues are without reliable data.

Who shared and why?

The video was posted by lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav, who identified herself as a criminal advocate in Delhi. She tagged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, asking for immediate action. She also appealed to the public to amplify the video so authorities could trace the victim faster. Within 24 hours, the video gathered more than 140,000 views, sparking outrage and sympathy across India. Many users shared it with captions urging the government to intervene. Kalpana’s post turned into the central channel of communication between the victim and officials.

What is known about location?

As of now, neither the embassy nor the Indian government has confirmed the man’s exact location in Saudi Arabia. The desert background makes it nearly impossible to trace. Reports suggest he might be in a remote province, but this remains speculation. The lack of GPS, address, or employer details complicates the process further. Officials believe his family in Prayagraj could hold vital information. That is why the embassy specifically asked Prayagraj’s local authorities to contact his relatives and guide them to write directly to officials.

How are Indian authorities reacting?

The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a detailed statement but confirmed they are aware of the video. Local Prayagraj authorities have been contacted to help. Police in the district were tagged by the embassy’s official handle, asking them to reach the man’s family. If verified, officials could push Saudi authorities for immediate rescue. Until then, the case highlights the vulnerability of Indian migrant workers abroad. Families of such workers often lack proper contact details, making emergencies harder to manage.

What lies ahead for the worker?

The future of this stranded man depends on swift information gathering and cooperation between India and Saudi authorities. His desperate plea has moved thousands, but officials stress that emotional appeals alone cannot guide rescue teams. The next steps rely on his family providing his passport or employer’s details. Meanwhile, social media continues to amplify his message, ensuring pressure stays on officials. The case is a reminder of the risks many migrant workers face and the urgent need for better support systems abroad.