Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 8 (NationPress) The family and friends of Abdul Rahim expressed profound dismay on Sunday as the Riyadh Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia once again postponed its ruling on his release petition.

Rahim has been incarcerated for the last 18 years in relation to the death of a Saudi boy.

On Sunday, the court delayed its decision after considering arguments that challenged the public prosecution’s case.

The hearing was postponed, and a new date for the next hearing is anticipated to be announced soon, according to the Abdul Rahim Legal Assistance Committee.

Significantly, Rahim’s death sentence was commuted on July 2 after the family of the deceased agreed to accept compensation.

The committee successfully raised 15 million Saudi riyals (about Rs 34 crore) through what is believed to be the largest crowdfunding initiative in Kerala’s history.

The funds were transferred on May 23 to an account established by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

On April 15, the committee formally notified the Saudi court that the compensation amount had been secured.

The court subsequently informed the family of the deceased, who agreed to accept the blood money and grant Rahim a pardon.

A cheque for 15 million Saudi riyals was handed over to the family’s lawyer.

Nevertheless, Rahim’s release has been postponed due to the unresolved public offense case.

On November 17, a new judicial bench delayed the verdict for an additional two weeks, extending the uncertainty.

Even after a release order is issued, it will need endorsement from the higher court and the governorate before Rahim can regain his freedom.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has already organized all necessary travel documents for Rahim’s return to India.

Abdul Rahim, an auto driver from Feroke, Kozhikode, moved to Saudi Arabia in 2006 seeking better opportunities.

He was employed as a driver for Saudi national Abdulla Abdurahman Al Shahri and was also tasked with caring for his differently-abled son, Anas Al Shahri.

One day, while driving, a device that assisted the boy's breathing accidentally fell in the car, resulting in the boy losing consciousness and subsequently dying.

Despite the incident being accidental, Rahim was charged with murder and sentenced to death under Saudi law. This judgment was later amended after the boy’s family consented to accept blood money. The Abdul Rahim Legal Assistance Committee has pledged to continue its efforts to secure his release.