Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Jan 29: In a heartening news, Melwin Fernandes, who was jailed in Kuwait for unknowingly carrying banned medicines and released eight months later, has now been absolved of all charges and declared innocent by the Kuwait court.
File Photo of Melwin and Carol Fernandes
Melwin, a native of Karkala, had been arrested by the authorities at Kuwait airport on February 9, 2014, for carrying and possessing the prohibited drug tramadol used as a pain killer. The parcel had been given to him by the wife of Richard Castelino to be handed over to the latter in Kuwait.
Melwin's wife Carol fought hard for her husband's release, with the support of several associations and individuals. After Carol's unflinching efforts that included approaching the Indian embassy, the state government, the Indian government and other authorities, Melwin was finally granted bail and he walked out of the jail in October 2014. However, the case was still in court.
Now, Melwin has been cleared of all charges by both first and second courts of Kuwait and moreover, he has not been banned from re-entering the country. This means, Melwin can return to Kuwait and continue to work there.
Sources said that Melwin, for whom the court pronouncement has come as a huge relief, would be coming down to his native Karkala very soon.
Indeed, Melwin's acquittal is a great news for all concerned, his friends, family and community associations and most importantly, his wife Carol whose determined efforts to prove her husband's innocence deserve huge applause.