Kerala Man Finds Long Waited Family Reunion After 20 Years in Saudi Jail

For Abdul Rahim, the joyous embrace of his mother on the auspicious day of Eid-ul-Azha marked a moment of unimaginable happiness after two decades of separation. Rahim had spent a significant part of his young adult life behind bars in Saudi Arabia due to the accidental death of Anas Al Shahri, the paralysed 15-year-old son of his sponsor.

Accidental Tragedy and Years of Isolation

In March 2006, Rahim moved to Riyadh seeking work opportunities. Just weeks into his new life, an unforeseen accident during a trip marred with tragedy; while accompanying his sponsor's son Anas on a routine activity, the medical feeding device attached to the boy's neck was accidentally dislodged.

This resulted in Anas's untimely death, leading to Rahim's immediate arrest. After years of legal proceedings, a Saudi court sentenced him to capital punishment under Islamic law for compensatory reasons and compensation negotiations.

Despite the harsh sentence, a chance meeting between Rahim and Malayalis around the world reignited hope. Over Rs 10 crore was fundraised through a historic crowdfunding campaign, raising nearly 15 million Saudi Riyals that secured his pardon under local laws. On Thursday morning, Rahim finally walked out of confinement, greeted by hundreds who waited days to welcome him home.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and prayed for me and my family. Without your blessings, this couldn't have been possible,” Rahim told reporters upon his return.

K. Suresh, chairman of the Rahim Legal Support Committee, commended the generosity that enabled a successful outcome. “In these challenging times, we aim to continue supporting Rahim and find ways where such cases could be resolved better in the future.”