Haj pilgrim from Kerala dies in Makkah

Thiruvananthapuram: A Haj pilgrim from Kerala died in Makkah on Thursday but not in the stampede, said a Congress leader who is also on pilgrimage.

Speaking to reporters over phone from Makkah, Congress office bearer Abubacker said Mohammed, who hailed from Thrissur, died in a hospital where he was admitted after complaining of uneasiness.

"He was sitting in the tent and was having his food when he fell uneasy. He was rushed to the hospital, but his life could not be saved. However, a woman pilgrim from Kannur who has been identified as Jameela was injured in the stampede, but she is recovering," said Abubacker.

A woman from Telangana was among the 717 dead and 805 injured in the stampede, the worst tragedy in the pilgrimage since 1990. 

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that according to reports, one person from Lakshadweep was among the injured.

About 136,000 Indians are taking part in the Haj pilgrimage.