An Indian family in Makkah kept the body of one of their dead family members at home for three days because they feared they would be arrested for visa violations.

The identity of the Indian has been withheld by authorities. The victim died of natural causes. He did not possess a valid iqama, authorities said.

His body was kept at home for three days in the Misfala area of the holy city because the family feared arrest, Makkah Police spokesman Lt. Col. Abdul Mohsin Al-Maiman told Arab News yesterday.

Police discovered the body when neighbors complained of a foul odor emanating from the house. The police determined that the death was due to natural causes and said there was no suspicion of foul play or any criminal activity.

Al-Maiman said the family claimed the body for burial on Thursday. He declined to identify the family.