Mangaluru youth, jailed in Saudi Arabia for carrying tablets, walks free

February 9, 2017

Mangaluru, Feb 9: A 35-year-old man from Ullal in Mangaluru taluk, who had landed in a jail in Saudi Arabia after being detained at Dammam international airport for carrying a six-month stash of his epilepsy medicines without a doctor's prescription four months ago, has finally walked free.

Siyabuddin Fayaz Ullal, who was released on February 6, thanked all those who toiled for his release including the activists of Indian Social Forum (ISF).

On October 3, Siyabuddin boarded a flight from Mangaluru to Dammam. From there, he was to head for Riyadh, where he had worked for several years. This time, however, he was going to Riyadh after a break. He had come to Mangaluru to get married and had stayed on for over a year.

Siyabuddin was carrying with him his medicines for epilepsy, a condition he had suffered from for about 16 years. The tablets – Zeptol CR (Carbamazepine) 1200 mg and Cloba (Lobazam) 10mg – were enough to last him six months (they came cheaper in India).

But unlike his many other trips to Riyadh from India, at Dammam he was detained for carrying the medicines without a doctor's prescription. He was charged with smuggling.

His family had then approached U T Khader, the minister for Food and Civil Supplies, who in turn got in touch with Arathi Krishna, the deputy chairman of the NRI Forum in the state government. Ms Krishna had then sent the details of the case to the embassy officials.

Meanwhile, a relative of Siyabuddin had gone to Riyadh and submitted the requisite documents, mainly the doctor's prescription, which stated that he suffered from complex partial seizures and was carrying six months' worth of medicines from India.

Comments

Very Good job ISF. Keep it up.

It's ma uncl he dint board d flight on 3rd it was on 31st oct he left India

Great job done Indian Social forum, heard from the day one about this case. Social forum team members did a fantastic job. Highly riskier issue very nicely handled with almighty allahs blessings.

Congrats Indian Social Forum (ISF), they worked quickly behind this work, great! keep going..

Grt Job ISF., keep going.

masha allah isf member work hard on this case..sply noushad katipalla....

MASHAALLAH good work by ISF keep going with your great work, MAY ALLAH accept your noble work and may ALLAH bless you and give you good strength to serve the humanity.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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