Mangalore, August 11: Sulaiman, a resident of Nelyadi near Uppinangady has finally reached his home after spending three years in a Saudi Arabia jail after being convicted in an accident case.
The 53-year-old man arrived at the Bajpe airport on Wednesday afternoon from Mumbai and was received by his family members and wellwishers. His two children were also present.
Speaking after the arrival, Sulaiman he expressed happiness that he has finally managed to set foot on the home soil. “I was desperate to get back home after undergoing a nightmarish life over the last three years and four months. I am a happy man now,” he said.
“It was a very difficult life at the jail. It was hell. More than the harassment from the police and the staff of the jail I had to face torture from the inmates. I did not get proper medical attention when I was not well,” he said.
“I had to wait for three months to get my passport. Even though I was released in April I could only get my passport and other documents this month. I could not adjust to the food served at the jail. I had gone to Gulf with dreams of ensuring a better life for my family. But I could hardly spend a penny during the last four years,” he lamented.
About his future plans, Sulaiman said that he would spend about three months with family members and once again try for a job abroad. “Finding a job in the homeland is also an option,” he added.
He expressed displeasure that his ordeal was allowed to continue despite the issue being brought to the notice of the Indian foreign minister S.M. Krishna and the concerned ministers in the Saudi government. I owe my freedom to the workers of India Fraternity Forum,” he said.
There was a joyous atmosphere at the Nelyadi home of the released man. Jameela, his wife, was looking forward to the reunion with bated breath.
“I am extremely happy that my husband is returning home after undergoing a nightmarish experience. Sulaiman is the sole breadwinner of the family consisting of myself and our five children. I have got my piece of mind back,” she exclaimed.
Background
Sulaiman had gone to Gulf in 2008 January after having spent 25 years in India as a driver. He joined a company in Saudi Arabia as a truck driver. On June 26, 2008, he had parked his truck by the side of road near Taif to attend to nature's call. To his utter misfortune, a car carrying six Saudi nationals rammed into his stationary truck leaving all the six dead. He had fainted on seeing the horror, but when he came to his senses, he had been lodged in Al-Kuruma jail.
The whereabouts of Sulaiman was not known for six months. Sulaiman had lost all hopes of a release. In the meantime, he had been transferred to Taif jail. The court had ruled that he should pay six lakh Saudi Riyal as compensation to the kin of the dead. The amount works out to Rs. 75 lakh. But he could hardly afford to pay such a hefty compensation. As he could not pay up, he had to languish in jail for more than three months.
When the plight of Sulaiman was publicized in the media, workers of India Fraternity Forum swung into action and ensured that the inmate was released.
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