Kerala's Collective Compassion Saves Abdul Rahim from Saudi Death Row

In a remarkable display of unity and compassion, the global Malayali community successfully crowdfunded a staggering 34 crore rupees (approximately $4 million) to secure the release of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, Kerala, who had been on death row in Saudi Arabia for nearly two decades. This extraordinary effort allowed for the payment of "blood money" (Diyya) to the family of a Saudi teenager, whose accidental death led to Rahim's conviction.

Abdul Rahim's ordeal began in December 2006 when he arrived in Saudi Arabia for work. He was employed as a driver and caretaker for a 15-year-old (some sources say 16-year-old) Saudi boy with physical disabilities who relied on a life support system. Less than a month into his employment, a tragic incident occurred. While Rahim was driving, the boy reportedly pressured him to run a red light. During a subsequent struggle or commotion, the boy's medical breathing device accidentally became dislodged, leading to the teenager losing consciousness and later dying.

Rahim, who did not possess a driver's license at the time, was arrested and provided inconsistent accounts to the police, raising suspicions. He was subsequently charged and, in 2011, a Saudi court sentenced him to death for murder. The sentence was upheld by higher courts, including the Supreme Court, leaving his family in Kerala under the constant shadow of a possible execution.

The turning point came in October 2022 when the victim's family agreed to mediation talks. A year later, in October 2023, they consented to pardon Rahim in exchange for blood money, set at approximately 15 million Saudi Riyals, equivalent to 34 crore rupees. A final deadline of April 16, 2024, was reportedly set for the payment.

With the impoverished family unable to raise such a colossal sum on their own, residents of Feroke in Kozhikode formed an action committee in March 2024. This committee launched a crowdfunding platform and an app, specifically named "Save Abdul Rahim," to collect the necessary funds. The appeal spread rapidly across social media and expatriate networks globally, igniting one of Kerala's largest community-led fundraising efforts.

Donations poured in from ordinary workers, expatriates, social organizations, and public figures. Businessman Boby Chemmanur notably spearheaded the effort, donating 1 crore rupees and undertaking a journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod to raise funds and awareness. Over 80 percent of the targeted 34 crore rupees was raised through the dedicated app, with donors able to track the campaign's progress. The campaign achieved its target, reportedly collecting over 30 crore rupees in just a few weeks, with some reports indicating the total reached approximately 35.45 crore rupees.

This incredible humanitarian undertaking garnered widespread praise, including from national leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who highlighted the indomitable spirit and compassion of Malayalis. The successful collection of the blood money led to the Riyadh Criminal Court overturning Rahim's death sentence. However, Saudi authorities also ordered him to complete a 20-year prison sentence, which, according to the Arabic calendar, concluded on May 20, 2026.

After nearly 20 years in jail, Abdul Rahim is now preparing for his return home to Kozhikode. Members of the Abdul Rahim Legal Aid Committee have confirmed that the remaining legal procedures, including the issuance of an exit visa, are nearing completion, with the support of the Indian Embassy. While the Eid al-Adha holidays in Saudi Arabia could cause slight delays, efforts are ongoing to ensure his swift repatriation. This saga stands as a powerful testament to collective human compassion and the profound impact of community solidarity across borders.