SRINAGAR: Indian national Abdul Rahim, who spent nearly two decades in prison in Saudi Arabia in a case that drew significant attention from the Indian diaspora, has returned to Kerala after being released from jail following a pardon by Saudi authorities.
After two decades away from home, Shri Abdul Raheem is finally returning to his family in Kozhikode, Kerala. His flight to India left moments ago.
Shri Abdul Raheem, who was facing a death sentence, has been pardoned and released after spending 20 years in prison. Throughout… pic.twitter.com/BvwqyiqzVY
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) May 27, 2026
Rahim, a native of Ramanattukara in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, departed Saudi Arabia for India earlier on Wednesday, bringing to an end a prolonged legal ordeal that had attracted widespread support from expatriate Indians, particularly the Malayali community in the Gulf.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed his release, stating that Rahim, who had previously faced a death sentence, was pardoned after completing a 20-year prison term under Saudi law.
Rahim had been convicted in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Saudi boy with disabilities in an incident described as accidental. The case prompted a large-scale campaign among Indian expatriates seeking clemency on his behalf.
A major crowdfunding drive led by members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia raised nearly 15 million Saudi Riyals (over Rs 34 crore) as blood money, a key step that helped secure relief from the death sentence. However, despite the settlement, Rahim was required to complete a lengthy prison term before his eventual release.
In a statement, the Indian Embassy said it had consistently engaged with Saudi authorities on the matter and closely monitored Rahim’s well-being throughout his incarceration. The mission also thanked the Saudi authorities for their cooperation and acknowledged the Indian community’s “unwavering support, solidarity and faith in the judicial process.”
Rahim’s return marks the conclusion of one of the most closely followed legal cases involving an Indian national in Saudi Arabia.
