Rs 34 Crore “Blood Money” Raised To Secure Kerala Man’s Release From Saudi Jail

Abdul Rahim, who comes from Kozhikode, spent 18 years in prison in a Gulf nation for the alleged killing of a Saudi boy in 2006. Local sources shared that Rahim was incarcerated after accidentally causing the death of a specially-abled boy under his care. In 2018, he received a death sentence when the Saudi boy’s family declined to grant amnesty. Although Rahim’s appeals were initially rejected by the top courts, the family eventually agreed to pardon him in exchange for “blood money.”

The family managed to raise the required funds, which amounted to Rs 34 crore, with significant aid from over 75 organizations in Riyadh, Kerala-based businessman Bobby Chemmannur, various political organizations, and the public. Chemmanur organized various fundraising events and donated the proceeds from the sale of one of his products to support Rahim’s cause. Additionally, the action committee developed a mobile application to ensure transparency in the fundraising efforts. Rahim’s mother expressed her disbelief at the success of the fundraising, stating that she had never thought such a large amount could be raised.

She admitted to having lost hope due to their lack of means, but noted that somehow the goal was achieved. Please note that this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.