Keralam man returns home after 20 years in Saudi jail

Indian national Abdul Rahim, who spent nearly two decades in a Saudi Arabian prison in a case that drew widespread attention from the Indian diaspora, finally returned home to Keralam after being released from jail.According to sources, Rahim, a native of Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district, departed Saudi Arabia for India on Wednesday, bringing an end to a prolonged legal and emotional ordeal endured by his family for nearly 20 years.The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that Rahim, who had once faced a death sentence, was pardoned and released after completing a 20-year prison term under Saudi law.Rahim had been convicted in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Saudi boy with disabilities in an incident that was described as accidental. The case sparked a massive support campaign among expatriate Indians, particularly the Malayali community in Saudi Arabia, who rallied behind efforts to save him from capital punishment.
A large scale crowdfunding campaign led by members of the Indian community helped raise nearly 15 million Saudi Riyals more than Rs 34 crore as blood money to secure relief from the death sentence. However, even after the settlement was reached, Rahim was required to serve a lengthy prison term before being eligible for release.According to agency reports,in a statement, the Indian Embassy said it had continuously pursued the matter with Saudi authorities and regularly monitored Rahim’s well-being throughout his imprisonment.“The Embassy remained engaged with the concerned authorities and extended all possible support in the case,” the statement said, while also thanking Saudi authorities for their cooperation.The Embassy further expressed gratitude to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia for its “unwavering support, solidarity and faith in the judicial process” during the long-running case.Rahim’s return has been met with relief and emotional reactions in his hometown in Keralam, where his family and well-wishers had waited years for his release and safe return.