KOZHIKODE: In a deeply emotional homecoming, Kozhikode native Machilakathu Abdul Rahim, who spent nearly two decades in a Saudi Arabian prison under the shadow of a death sentence, returned to Kerala on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Arriving at the Calicut International Airport from Riyadh in the early hours, Rahim was greeted by hundreds of emotional family members, friends, and well-wishers who had gathered at the airport and his residence in Kodampuzha, Feroke.
The Tragic Accident in 2006
Abdul Rahim traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2006 at the age of 26 to work as a house driver. Part of his duties involved caretaking for his employer’s 15-year-old son, Anas Al-Shahri, who was paralyzed below the neck and heavily dependent on a medical support device for breathing.
The tragedy occurred during a car journey when the teenager reportedly became aggressive. In a frantic attempt to calm him down, Rahim’s hand accidentally struck the life-support apparatus attached to the boy’s neck, dislodging it. The teenager suffered immediate breathing complications and passed away. Although it was an unintentional mishap, the Saudi judiciary found him guilty and sentenced him to death.
The Power of Collective Humanity: Over ₹34 Crore Raised
Rahim’s fate took a historic turn when the global Malayali community orchestrated one of the largest crowdfunding campaigns ever witnessed. Within days, individuals, expatriates, and socio-political organizations united to raise a staggering ₹34 crore (15 million Saudi Riyals) demanded as “blood money” (Diyah) by the victim’s family. Upon receiving the amount, the family accepted the settlement, leading the Saudi court to revoke the death penalty.
Completion of Term Under the Public Rights Act
While the private right to execution was waived through the blood money settlement, Rahim still had to serve time under Saudi Arabia’s Public Rights Act for trying to cover up the incident initially. The Riyadh Criminal Court handed him a 20-year prison sentence.
According to the Arabic calendar, his 20-year sentence officially concluded on May 19. Following the signing of the release order and completion of exit visa procedures by Saudi authorities under special priority, Rahim boarded his flight back to India.
Now 46, Rahim broke into tears as he embraced his aging mother, Fathima. “I express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped and prayed for me. Kerala has given me a second lease on life,” Rahim said with folded hands, bringing a definitive and triumphant end to a two-decade-long battle for survival.
