'Real Kerala Story': Keralites Raise Rs 34 Crore To Release A Man Jailed In Saudi For 18 Yrs

Rahim, a native of Kozhikode in Kerala, stands accused of killing a Saudi boy in 2006.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded the generosity and empathy of the people of Kerala

Source : Facebook/PinarayiVijayan

The people of Kerala have joined hands together to raise Rs 34 crore in just 4 days to rescue a Keralite facing execution in Saudi Arabia. At a time when a native of Kozhikode, Abdul Rahim, could live only if he paid blood money of 15 million Saudi Riyals before April 18, 2024, Keralities came to his rescue. 

Rahim, who has been imprisoned for 18 years in the Gulf nation, stands accused of killing a Saudi boy in 2006. The action committee dedicated to securing his release faced initial challenges and raised only a minimal amount but recently it reported a surge in support as the deadline approached, with contributions pouring in from Kerala and beyond.

Local sources revealed that Rahim was put in jail in 2006 because he accidentally caused the death of a boy with disabilities he was looking after. Then, in 2018, he was given a death sentence because the Saudi boy's family didn't forgive him, according to a report on PTI.

Members of the action committee informed the media that despite initial rejections from the top courts, there was a breakthrough when the Saudi boy's family agreed to pardon Rahim in exchange for "blood money."

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded the generosity and empathy of the people of Kerala, hailing the collective effort as the epitome of the "Real Kerala Story" characterized by compassion and integrity.

Taking to X, Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Abdul Rahim's story, a Kerala man facing execution in Saudi Arabia, symbolises this resistance. With 34 crore rupees raised for his release, Kerala's commitment to its people and values is crystal clear, shattering divisive lies.

"Gratitude to all those who joined hands for this humanitarian cause. United, we'll continue sharing the Real Kerala Story of compassion and truth."