Indian national Abdul Rahim, who spent nearly two decades in prison in Saudi Arabia in a case that drew widespread attention from the Indian diaspora, returned to the soil of Keralam on Thursday.Rahim, a native of Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district, left Saudi Arabia for India early on Thursday.The Indian Embassy confirmed that Rahim, who had once faced a death sentence, was pardoned and released after serving a 20-year prison term under Saudi law.Rahim had been convicted in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Saudi boy with disabilities, in what was described as an accidental incident. The case triggered a massive support campaign among expatriate Indians, especially the Malayali community in Saudi Arabia.A large-scale crowdfunding effort led by the Indian community helped raise around 15 million Saudi Riyals (more than Rs 34 crore) as blood money to secure relief from the death sentence.Despite the settlement, Rahim was required to complete a lengthy prison sentence before his release.In a statement, the Indian Embassy said it had consistently pursued the case with Saudi authorities and regularly monitored Rahim’s well-being throughout his imprisonment.As the Air India Express flight from Riyadh touched down shortly after dawn, hundreds gathered outside the airport with prayers, tears and hope.“I survived because people I have never even met prayed for me and fought for me,” Rahim said emotionally. “Kerala gave me another life.”According to reports, Saudi prison authorities personally escorted Rahim to the airport and ensured that all remaining procedures, including immigration and travel clearance, were completed before his departure late on Wednesday night.Although his prison sentence formally concluded on May 19, the final release process experienced a brief delay due to Eid and Haj-related administrative duties in Saudi Arabia.For his 77-year-old mother Fathima, this Bakrid carried a meaning beyond celebration.“For years I prayed only for one thing — to see my son once again before my last breath,” she said, wiping away tears while surrounded by relatives. “Everyday felt endless. Today Allah has returned my child to me.”Rahim’s brother Nazeer said the family never gave up hope despite the emotional and financial burden that followed them for years.