Hajj 2026: Returning Indian Pilgrims Protest Missing, Tampered Luggage
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Pilgrims returning from Hajj 2026 staged a protest at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow after discovering missing luggage and signs of tampering that led to the loss of valuables and personal belongings.
The incident, which occurred on June 2, attracted widespread attention after videos showing frustrated pilgrims at the airport circulated on social media platforms.
Affected pilgrims alleged that bags arriving from Saudi Arabia had either disappeared entirely or were delivered with broken locks, removed protective wrapping, and missing contents.
The losses reportedly included perfumes, jewelry, prayer mats, hijabs, niqabs, watches and other personal items commonly purchased during the pilgrimage.
Among the complainants was Haji Akbar Ali from Gonda district, who said one of his bags failed to arrive after he landed in Lucknow with his wife.
According to him, he waited for several hours at the airport seeking information about the missing luggage but received no clear explanation.
A female pilgrim from Kanpur reported that she found the protective wrapping removed from her bag and discovered that several items were missing when she collected it at the airport.
She claimed to have lost six bottles of ittar, five silver rings, two gold nose pins, five hijabs, children’s toys and other belongings.
AAnother returning pilgrim said he found his suitcase lock broken and several items, including ittar, a prayer mat and hijabs, missing from the bag.
Haji Habib, one of the affected passengers, said he could not find two of his bags, while someone broke into a third bag and removed some of its contents.
He reported losing multiple bottles of perfume, jewelry, wristwatches and religious garments. Habib further alleged that more than 50 pilgrims may have experienced similar problems upon arrival.
The pilgrims said their journey from Saudi Arabia proceeded smoothly, and they only discovered the missing items when they retrieved their luggage in Lucknow.
Responding to the complaints, the Uttar Pradesh Hajj Committee stated that some luggage may still be in transit and could arrive later.
The committee also pledged to investigate the allegations of theft and tampering and urged affected pilgrims to submit formal complaints detailing their losses.
As of the time of reporting, police had made no arrests, while affected pilgrims had yet to file a First Information Report (FIR).
Uttar Pradesh sends one of the largest contingents of pilgrims for Hajj each year, with Lucknow serving as the state’s principal departure and arrival hub for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
