Rahim's life changed in 2006 when he was accused in connection with the death of the differently abled son of his Saudi sponsor, Abdulla Abdurahman Al Shahri.
After spending nearly two decades behind bars in Saudi Arabia, Abdul Rahim, a native of Feroke in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, returned home on Thursday, bringing an emotional end to a case that had drawn attention and support from Malayalis across the world.
According to The Times of India, Rahim arrived at Calicut International Airport at 7.35 am on an Air India Express flight, just days after completing a 20-year prison sentence on May 20.
His return coincided with Eid al-Adha celebrations, turning the occasion into an emotional reunion for his family and supporters.
Rahim, who had once faced the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, was welcomed by members of the Abdul Rahim Legal Aid Committee, elected representatives and hundreds of well-wishers at the airport.
Unable to contain his emotions, he broke down while expressing gratitude to those who stood by him during the long legal battle.
“My heartfelt thanks to all those who supported me and prayed for me,” Rahim said after reaching home.
At his residence, Zeeyath Manzil at Kuttampuzha near Feroke, emotional scenes unfolded as he reunited with his family after 20 years. His mother, Fathima, who had spent years praying for his release, embraced him in tears while neighbours, relatives and supporters gathered around the house.
Many residents reportedly came directly from Eid prayers at nearby mosques to witness the homecoming.
“I had only one prayer all these years, and today Allah reunited my son with me on Eid,” Fathima said.
The case had triggered one of Kerala’s largest public fundraising campaigns. Thousands of people, including expatriates, labourers, students and businesspersons, contributed to efforts to secure Rahim’s release.
The campaign collected around Rs 47 crore, of which nearly Rs 34 crore was paid as blood money to the victim’s family.
Rahim had travelled to Saudi Arabia at the age of 26 after leaving his driver’s job in Kerala in search of better opportunities. His life changed in 2006 when he was accused in connection with the death of the differently abled son of his Saudi sponsor, Abdulla Abdurahman Al Shahri.
Reports stated that Rahim accidentally touched a medical support device attached to the child, who later died.
He was arrested and later sentenced to death by a Riyadh court in 2012 while serving a prison term in the case.
The matter gained widespread attention in Kerala, leading to the formation of the Abdul Rahim Legal Aid Committee, which launched a major fundraising drive during Ramadan in 2024.
In July 2024, a Saudi court set aside the death sentence after the victim’s family agreed to pardon him upon receiving the blood money.
However, the Riyadh court directed that Rahim complete a 20-year sentence under Saudi Arabia’s Public Rights Act.
Following the completion of his sentence, his return to India was facilitated with assistance from the Riyadh Legal Aid Committee and officials of the Indian embassy.
Back home for Eid after two decades, Rahim’s family prepared his favourite Malabar dishes, marking a celebration they said they had waited years to share together.
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