KSA

JEDDAH : Indian national Abdul Rahim has finally returned home to Kerala after spending nearly two decades in prison in Saudi Arabia in a case that drew widespread attention from the Indian diaspora and sparked one of the largest community fundraising efforts among expatriate Indians. Rahim, a native of Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district of Kerala, departed Saudi Arabia earlier today following his release from prison. His return marks the end of a long legal battle and emotional struggle for his family. According to officials, Rahim had earlier faced a death sentence in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Saudi boy with disabilities. The incident was described as accidental during legal proceedings. The case received massive support from the Indian expatriate community, especially Malayalis living in Saudi Arabia. Community organisations and volunteers launched a major crowdfunding campaign to save Rahim from execution. The campaign reportedly raised nearly 15 million Saudi Riyals more than ₹34 crore as blood money under Saudi law. Although the settlement helped secure relief from the death sentence, Rahim still had to complete a lengthy prison term before being released. In an official statement, the Indian Embassy said it had continuously followed the case with Saudi authorities and monitored Rahim’s condition throughout his imprisonment. The Embassy also expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities and praised the Indian community for its role in the campaign. It thanked the community for its “unwavering support, solidarity and faith in the judicial process.” Rahim’s release and return have been widely welcomed in Kerala, where many people followed the case closely for years. Social media users and community leaders described his return as an emotional moment for his family and supporters who had worked tirelessly for his release.