Stranded Indian maid dies at Muscat airport

PTI

Dubai, 10 October 2010:  An Indian housemaid, who was stranded in a transit lounge of Muscat airport for five days after losing her passport at the Doha airport, died on her way to the hospital.

 

Beebi Lumada, 40, was travelling from Muscat to Chennai via Doha by Qatar Airways last week but lost her passport while in transit at the Doha airport, the Gulf News said in a report yesterday.

 

When her passport was not found, she was sent back to Muscat, the port of origin.

 

The housemaid had cancelled her Oman residence visa and since she did not carry her passport she was not allowed to re-enter Muscat.

 

"We informed immigration about the situation and also intimated the Indian Embassy on Monday," an official was quoted by the newspaper as saying.

 

"We were given repeated assurances that the embassy officials would come and visit the stranded passenger but there was no visit even after requests from the airport police," the airline officials told the newspaper.

 

The airline even tried in vain to contact the stranded passenger’s sponsor.

 

He said that since Muscat Airport does not have a hotel in the transit area, Qatar Airways provided food, drinks, a blanket and all the necessary help to make Beebi comfortable.

 

According to the report, the stranded passenger allegedly began to get delusional.

 

A senior doctor with the government hospital said that it is possible that the severe mental trauma caused a cardiac arrest.

 

Meanwhile, Indian ambassador Anil Wadhwa told the newspaper that it was sad that Lumada lost her life before an exit pass could be issued for her departure.

 

"It is sad that procedural delay delayed help for the stranded passenger," he said.

 

The victim’s relatives in India have been informed and arrangement is being made to send her body back.