Emotional scenes were witnessed at the residence of Abdul Rahim in Kerala's Kozhikode on Thursday (May 28, 2026) morning as he finally arrived home after serving a 20-year jail term in Saudi Arabia. Rahim was behind the bars since 2006 in connection with the death of a teenager under his care. As he stepped out of Kozhikode airport, hundreds waited near his ancestral house to welcome him on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, reports Times of India's Rajeev Kr.
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Rahim, a native of Feroke in Kozhikode district, arrived at Calicut International Airport at around 7.35 am on an Air India Express flight. His return marked the end of a long legal battle that had drawn attention across Kerala and among Malayali communities abroad.
Mother Says Eid Prayer Finally Answered
For Rahim’s family, this Eid became a moment they had waited years to witness. Fathima said she had prayed continuously for her son’s safe return ever since he was imprisoned.
“I had only one prayer all these years, and today Allah reunited my son with me on Eid,” she said.
Family members had prepared special Malabar dishes for Rahim, turning the homecoming into an emotional Eid celebration after years of separation.
How Abdul Rahim Ended Up in Saudi Jail
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.
According to reports, Rahim accidentally touched a medical support device attached to the child, who later died. The incident led to his arrest and a prolonged legal battle in Saudi Arabia.
In 2012, a Riyadh court sentenced him to death while he was already serving a prison term in the case.
Massive Crowdfunding Campaign Helped Save Him
Rahim’s case later sparked one of Kerala’s biggest public fundraising campaigns. Thousands of people — including expatriates, students, workers and business owners — contributed money to help secure his release. The campaign, led by the Abdul Rahim Legal Aid Committee, gained momentum during Ramadan in 2024.
Reports said around Rs 47 crore was collected through public contributions and out of this nearly Rs 34 crore was paid as “blood money” after the victim’s family agreed to pardon him. Blood money, compensation paid by an offender (usually a murderer) or his kin group to the kin group of the victim
In July 2024, the Saudi court revoked Rahim’s death sentence following the settlement.
However, he was directed to complete a 20-year prison term under Saudi Arabia’s Public Rights Act. That sentence officially ended on May 20 this year.
Emotional Scenes at Airport and Home
Hundreds of people, including members of the Abdul Rahim Legal Aid Committee, local representatives and supporters, were present to receive him.
Overwhelmed by the reception, Rahim became emotional and thanked everyone who stood by him during the difficult years. “My heartfelt thanks to all those who supported me and prayed for me,” he said after reaching home.
The emotional moments also unfolded at Zeeyath Manzil in Kuttampuzha near Feroke, where Rahim reunited with his family after two decades.
His mother, Fathima, who had spent years praying for her son’s return, broke down while embracing him. Neighbours, relatives and supporters gathered outside the family home, many arriving directly after Eid prayers from nearby mosques.
Indian Embassy Helped Complete Return Process
After completing his sentence, Rahim’s release and travel formalities were completed with support from the Riyadh Legal Aid Committee and Indian embassy officials.
His return has now become a moment of relief and celebration for thousands of people who followed his case closely over the years.
