Daijiworld Media Network - Kozhikode

Kozhikode, Apr 12: In a remarkable display of compassion and solidarity, a group of individuals in Kozhikode successfully raised Rs 34 crore to secure the release of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode who has spent the past 18 years on death row in a Saudi Arabian jail.

The action committee overseeing the fundraising efforts achieved the significant milestone of raising the entire amount required for Rahim's release three days before the scheduled execution. Representatives of the committee announced this remarkable feat during a press conference held in Kozhikode on Friday.

Expressing profound gratitude for the overwhelming support received, a committee member remarked, "This is the true spirit of Kerala." The fundraising initiative garnered contributions not only from within Kerala but also from Malayalis residing in Riyadh, who organized a 'Biriyani challenge' to gather funds for Rahim's cause.

Utilising a mobile app named 'SAVEABDULRAHIM' for crowdfunding, the action committee also received direct contributions from a vast number of individuals eager to contribute to this noble cause.

Reports indicate that Rs 24 crore was raised within just four days, with an increasing number of people visiting Rahim's residence, which served as the hub for crowdfunding activities. With the required amount successfully raised, the committee issued an appeal to the public to halt further donations.

Abdul Rahim's ordeal began in 2006 when, seeking better prospects, he moved to Saudi Arabia from his hometown of Feroke in Kozhikode. Employed as a house driver in Riyadh, Rahim's life took a tragic turn when he was involved in an unfortunate incident while caring for a differently-abled 15-year-old boy within the household.

Following a misunderstanding during a car ride with the boy, Rahim inadvertently caused the boy's death, resulting in his arrest and subsequent sentencing to death under Saudi law in 2018. Despite appeals, including from the Indian government, Rahim's sentence was upheld by the Saudi courts.

However, in a recent development, the court temporarily halted the execution of Rahim's sentence after an agreement was reached with the deceased boy's family to accept diya (blood money) instead. The agreed-upon amount of 15 million Saudi riyals, approximately Rs 33.24 crore, must be paid within six months as per the terms of the agreement signed on October 16, 2023.