Ramanattukara: The prison term of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kodampuzha in Farook who has been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, is nearing completion.

With the jail sentence imposed on Rahim set to end in the 3rd week of May, a curtain is finally expected to fall on more than two decades of uncertainty. Rahim had earlier escaped the death penalty. Indications from Riyadh suggest that procedures for his release will begin as soon as his prison term officially ends.

Rahim had travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2006 for a driver’s job. He was jailed in connection with an incident that led to the death of his sponsor’s differently abled son. Although it was later established that the tragedy was the result of an unintentional mistake, Rahim was initially sentenced to death.

He was saved from execution after Malayalis across the world came together to raise ₹34 crore as blood money (diyah). Following this, a criminal court in Riyadh ruled that Rahim must complete a prison sentence under Saudi public law. It is this prison term that is now coming to an end.

According to calculations based on the Hijri calendar, the sentence will conclude on the third day of the Arabic month of Dhul Hijjah, which corresponds to May 20 or 21 in the Gregorian calendar. An official court order regarding his release is expected soon.

However, legal aid committee officials say the release could be delayed by a few more days if government offices remain closed for Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia.

Back home in Kodampuzha, Rahim’s family is waiting, hoping for the return of their son after a long and painful 20-year ordeal.