Five years after Bantwal man's death in Saudi, family wins compensation

Jeddah, Nov 20: The family members of a Dakshina Kannada based man, who was killed in a road accident in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia nearly five years ago, have finally won a huge amount of compensation thanks to the hard work of the activists of India Fraternity Forum.

A Saudi court has ordered a Saudi national, whose reckless driving had resulted in the death of Abdul Hameed, an expatriate worker hailing from Bantwal town in Dakshina Kannada in 2009, to pay Saudi Riyal 150,000 to the latter's family.

Abdul Hameed had come to Saudi Arabia in 2009 in search of a good job to look after his family. Six months later he met with a road accident. A car driver hit him and fled from the spot. However, a few local residents managed to chase and catch him. The accused was handed over to police, who reportedly let him go after a few days.

Unfortunately, Hameed, who had suffered severe injuries in the accident passed away on August 12, 2009. He left behind his wife, children and other dependents. Hameed had borrowed a loan of Rs 80,000 by mortgaging his house to reach to Saudi Arabia. After his tragic end, Hameed's helpless family received several notices from the Bank for failing to repay the loan.

At this juncture, members of India Fraternity Forum, a philanthropic organization of Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia, intervened and filed a case against the accused with the help of consulate general of India in Jeddah. IFF Jeddah unit activists Muhammed Ali and Husain Jokatte took the initiative in this regard.

Based on the complaint, Saudi police registered a case of accident and murder against the accused Saudi national, who was later imprisoned. However, thanks to his contacts, the accused walked free after some days.

IFF Jeddah, meanwhile, brought this case to notice of higher authorities and explained them the situation of the family of the accident victim. Gradually the case was handed over to a governor. IFF Jeddah also provided support to the family of the deceased. Finally, after a prolonged hearing, a Saudi court ordered the accused to pay Saudi Riyal 150,000 as compensation to the family of the victim.

Thank You IFF Jeddah!

Ms Saleeka, the widow of Abdul Hameed, has thanked IFF Jeddah, for its support throughout the last five years and fighting for justice which finally yielded result. She also thanked Zaamil Hamid, a leading lawyer in Jeddah for legally supporting the aggrieved family.

The humanitarian gesture of the IFF, whose workers followed the case till getting justice, was appreciated by Indian community in Saudi Arabia. IFF Jeddah unit activists Ashraf Bajpe, Mudassar Akkarangadi, Mustafa Punacha, Ashraf Manjeshwara, Soofi Sulya among others worked hard to give justice to the family of Ahdul Hameed.