Kozhikode, Kerala: Abdul Rahim, who was released from a Saudi Arabian prison after spending nearly 20 years behind bars, arrived in Kerala on Thursday morning to an emotional reception from family members, well-wishers and supporters at Karipur airport.

Rahim landed at Calicut International Airport around 8 am on an Air India Express flight from Riyadh. Speaking to reporters outside the airport, an emotional Abdul Rahim broke down in tears as he thanked everyone who stood by him during his long legal battle and imprisonment.

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Saudi prison officials reportedly escorted Rahim to the airport and completed all immigration and travel formalities before his departure late Wednesday night.

Rahim was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2006 in connection with the death of a Saudi boy and had been on death row for several years. In July 2024, Saudi authorities revoked his death sentence after the victim’s family accepted “diya” (blood money).

A massive global fundraising campaign by the Malayali community had helped raise nearly Rs 34 crore to secure the settlement amount required for Rahim’s release.

Although Abdul Rahim’s prison term officially ended on May 19, his final release was briefly delayed this week as key prison officials were away on Haj duty. However, Saudi authorities later expedited the remaining procedures under special protocols after recognising the urgency of the matter.