Rahim’s release: Crowdfunded blood money will soon be transferred through embassy

Kozhikode: With the joint efforts of Malayalis from around the globe, Rs 34 crore blood money was raised to provide a new life to Kozhikode man imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. The RBI informed Rahim’s Legal Aid Cell, that a special permission of the Reserve Bank is needed only if the amount is more than Rs 50 crore. There are no legal obstacles to transferring Rs 34 crore since it is below the said threshold. These matters were reported to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. 

Legal proceedings for the release will begin on Monday when the court reopens. KMCC spokesperson Asharaf Vengad and legal consultant Muhammed Najathi informed that the amount will be transferred through the embassy without any obstacles.

Rahim had to suffer severe punishment because he did not know the language. Rahim was unable to answer questions in the court and pleaded guilty. The medical report and confessional statement submitted to the court during the trial stage of the case were against Rahim. 

Rahim’s execution was delayed due to a Saudi law that prohibits the execution until Rahim’s sisters reach adulthood. The final verdict came in November 2021. The sentence was scheduled to be carried out on January 10. Rahim had to spend 18 years in jail. 

Rahim was jailed in 2006 after he accidentally caused the death of a specially-abled boy whom he was taking care of. He was sentenced to death in 2018 after the family of the Saudi boy refused to grant amnesty.