Saudi authorities have signed the release order for Abdul Rahim, a native of Kodampuzha in Kozhikode district who has been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for nearly two decades. The action committee coordinating efforts for his release said only emigration formalities remain before he can return to India.
Rahim was jailed in connection with the death of a Saudi boy, Anas Al Shahri, in December 2006. The boy, who had lost mobility below the neck, was being fed through a medical device attached to his neck.
According to reports, the incident occurred while Rahim and the boy were returning from shopping. During heavy traffic, Anas allegedly asked Rahim to violate the traffic signal, but Rahim refused. This reportedly led to an altercation during which the boy spat at Rahim several times. In an attempt to stop him, the medical device attached to the boy’s neck was accidentally switched off, following which he lost consciousness and later died.
Saudi police subsequently arrested Rahim and charged him with murder. A court later awarded him the death sentence.
However, the death sentence was revoked after more than ₹34 crore was raised and paid as blood money. With the release order now signed, Rahim’s return to Kerala is expected after the completion of remaining procedures.
