New Delhi
23 January 2006
Ahead of Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz's visit, the Saudi
Arabian ambassador to India has conveyed to Union Minister of State for External Affairs
E Ahamed that Abdul Latheef Naushad, an Indian national languishing in a jail in Saudi
Arabia for causing a local to lose an eye, will be saved from facing the sentence of his
eye being gouged out.
Naushad had caused a Saudi national to lose an eye during a scuffle at a petrol pump
over money payment three years ago. Naushad was imprisoned and a local Shariat
court gave an "eye-for-an-eye" verdict as punishment.
"The ambassador said they have assured that Naushad's eye will not be gouged out but
said certain procedures had to be followed," Mr Ahamed said. The minister broke the
good news to Abdul Latheeef Naushad's wife Suhaila who called on him this morning.
Suhaila reached New Delhi from Kollam in Kerala on Sunday to call on the King and seek
pardon for her husband. It could not be confirmed whether Naushad has been pardoned.
The minister said there was no official confirmation in this regard.
However, some reports suggested a 'compromise' has been endorsed by the Shariat
court in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It is understood that the compromise could be reached
due to intervention by the governments of the two countries.
Mr Ahamed said he explained to Naushad's wife who met her about steps taken by the
government so far and assured that efforts were being made to save the eye of her
husband.
"I am happy, I think I will get back my husband fit and fine. I think my prayers have been
and answered," Suhaila said. Relief was writ large on her face as her fervent appeals for
saving her husband's eyes bore fruit, turning months-long despair and agony into a
state of happiness. Our whole family has been praying for his safety as we had no other
option but to pray, she said as her weekend journey proved to be fruitful.
Naushad has two children. While the youngest one Asna has never seen her father after
birth, the elder one Nasif keeps asking about his father, she added.
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