Kozhikode: The Riyadh Criminal Court on Thursday postponed the final verdict in the case of Abdul Rahim, who is serving an 18-year sentence for the alleged murder of a Saudi boy. This marks the fourth time the court has deferred its ruling. The virtual hearing was rescheduled due to technical issues.

On December 8, the court delayed its decision on Rahim's discharge petition after hearing arguments against the public prosecution's case. The hearing was adjourned without a resolution.

Although Rahim's death sentence was commuted on July 2, his release remains stalled as the case concerning the public offence is still pending. Any release order must be approved by a higher court and the governorate before Rahim can be freed. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has prepared all necessary travel documents for his return to India.

Abdul Rahim, an auto driver from Feroke, Kozhikode, went to Saudi Arabia in 2006 for better job prospects. He worked as a driver in Riyadh and cared for a differently-abled boy in the family. During a car ride, a breathing aid used by the boy accidentally fell, leading to his loss of consciousness and eventual death.

Although the incident was accidental, Rahim was charged with murder under Saudi law and sentenced to death. The court later revised the verdict after the boy's family agreed to accept blood money.