Kunnamangalam, Kerala: In a hut draped with a tarpaulin sheet near Uppancherimmal, Bini and her two young daughters hold onto hope. For them, the absence of a proper home is secondary. What truly matters is the return of Shaju, who has been stranded in Saudi Arabia for the past six years.

Shaju left for Saudi Arabia in August 2019 to work as a driver. But tragedy struck on November 30 that year, around 6pm, when his vehicle was rear-ended by a Saudi national. The accident led to the death of the Saudi citizen.

He was jailed for one month and six days following the incident. The court ruled that he could only be released upon the payment of ₹70 lakh as compensation. The company that employed him contributed ₹35 lakh. Following intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy, and various Kerala MPs, Shaju was released on January 6, 2020.

However, he remains unable to return home as the remaining ₹35 lakh has yet to be paid. Though no longer in prison, Shaju’s life in Saudi Arabia mirrors confinement. He receives no salary, and the financial burden is unbearable for his impoverished family back home.

Bini and her daughters continue their wait in harsh conditions, praying for a reunion. A local people’s committee has since been formed to help raise the funds required to bring Shaju back. An account has been opened for public contributions at Kerala Gramin Bank, Kunnamangalam branch: Account Number – 40291101088476, IFSC Code – KLGB0040291.