How Kerala Crowdfunded Rs 34 Crore In Four Days To Bring Back Man On Saudi Death Row

Abdul Rahim, the Kerala man who spent nearly two decades in a Saudi Arabian prison and narrowly escaped execution after a massive public crowdfunding campaign, returned home on Thursday to an emotional welcome from family, friends and local residents.

Rahim landed at Karipur airport in Kozhikode and was greeted by relatives and supporters as he broke down in tears after finally returning to India. Businessman Bobby Chemmanur was among those present to receive him at the airport.

“I am thankful to everyone who helped me,” Rahim told reporters before leaving for his hometown, where his mother had waited almost 20 years for his return.

Scenes of celebration unfolded outside his home as local residents gathered in large numbers to welcome him back.

His return during Bakrid added to the emotional atmosphere, with many residents calling it a double celebration.

Why was Abdul Rahim convicted?

As Rahim reached home, he embraced his mother at the doorstep amid loud cheers from neighbours and supporters. Both were seen crying as they hugged each other after years of separation.

Rahim had travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2006 for work and was later jailed after allegedly causing the accidental death of a specially-abled Saudi boy under his care. In 2018, a Saudi court sentenced him to death after the boy’s family refused to grant amnesty.

His last hope came through the “blood money” provision under Saudi law, which allows the victim’s family to pardon the accused in exchange for financial compensation. Rahim needed to pay 15 million Saudi Riyals — around Rs 34 crore — before a court-imposed deadline in April 2024.

What followed was one of Kerala’s biggest crowdfunding efforts. People from across the state and abroad donated money, helping raise the entire amount in just four days. The campaign drew support from ordinary citizens, businessmen, social groups and expatriate communities.

The payment eventually secured Rahim’s release from death row, ending a legal battle that had stretched for nearly two decades.

Back home, Rahim once again thanked the people who contributed to the campaign and made it possible for him to reunite with his mother after years in prison.

“I am thankful to everyone who helped me and made it possible for me to see my mother again,” Rahim said.

(With inputs from PTI)