Indian community raises over 15 million Saudi Riyals to save Abdul Raheem

NOB| Riyadh                                              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In a stirring display of unity and empathy, Keralites spanning the globe banded together to raise an impressive INR 340 million in a crowdfunding campaign to rescue Abdul Raheem from the brink of death in Saudi Arabia. Raheem, originally from Kozhikode, in the south Indian state of Kerala, faced a dire sentence in the Middle Eastern nation.

However, the collective generosity and solidarity of the community have now ensured his liberation, as the required blood money demanded by a Riyadh-based family has been successfully amassed through this remarkable grassroots effort.

Abdul Raheem's journey took an unexpected turn when he transitioned from his role as an autorickshaw driver in Kerala to seek opportunities in Saudi Arabia during the early 2000s.

Employed by a Riyadh family to provide care for a differently-abled teenager alongside his driving duties, Raheem found himself entangled in a tragic incident during a routine journey.

A disagreement ensued when the teenager reacted angrily to a traffic signal stop, leading to a struggle in which Raheem unintentionally dislodged the medical device supporting the boy's breathing. Tragically, this altercation resulted in the teenager's unconsciousness and subsequent passing.

Raheem's fate seemed sealed in 2018 when he was sentenced to death after the deceased's family refused to grant him amnesty. Despite persistent appeals, including a Supreme Court verdict upholding the initial sentence, Raheem faced an uncertain future.

However, a ray of hope emerged in 2023 when the boy's family reconsidered their stance and opted to accept diya, or blood money, instead. Their condition: a hefty sum of 15 million Saudi Riyals (SR), roughly equivalent to 340 million Indian rupees, to be paid within six months from the agreement's signing on October 16, 2023.

With time ticking away and Raheem's freedom hanging in the balance, the people of Kerala, led by Bobby Chemmannur, a prominent gold trader and business magnate, mobilised across diverse spheres to raise the necessary funds through crowdfunding.

Though initially slow to gather momentum, the campaign gained traction, fueled by an intensive social media drive that galvanised volunteers to action. Within a mere four days, the entire amount was secured, marking a testament to the unwavering determination and solidarity of the community.

This triumphant outcome underscores the extraordinary power of collective action and compassion. Non-resident Indians, businessmen, and political leaders alike united in a common cause to ensure Abdul Raheem's long-awaited reprieve after enduring an arduous 18-year ordeal. As Raheem prepares to return home, this heartening display of solidarity serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reaffirming the enduring values of humanity and unity within the Kerala community.