RIYADH, 13 August 2007 — A Saudi philanthropist walked into a courtroom in Hail yesterday and paid blood money on behalf of an Indian worker responsible for the death of a Sri Lankan in a road accident two years ago.
“I am paying this blood money not only to help the Indian worker who is serving two years in prison but also to assist the bereaved Sri Lankan family to continue their normal life without a breadwinner,” explained the Saudi philanthropist who offered SR50,000 on behalf of the accused.
He added, “I am doing this for the sake of Allah whose rewards are bountiful. I am not expecting any recognition in this world.”
Shaheer Hussain, an Indian driver from Bihar, ran over Mohamed Varsai Aliyar on June 26, 2005. Based on evidence submitted by the Hail traffic police, the deceased and the driver were judged jointly responsible for the accident. Accordingly, the court asked the driver to pay SR50,000, which is half the standard blood money of SR100,000.
The money was handed to W.S.M.S Wijesundera, deputy chief of mission at the Sri Lankan Embassy, to be given to Meera Mohaideen Awwa Umma, wife of the deceased. “I was amazed at the magnanimity of the Saudi philanthropist who knows neither the driver nor the deceased,” said Wijesundera, who was assisted by his mission’s interpreter Mohammed Zackariyah during the court proceedings.
He said that he had made several futile attempts to contact Indian community groups and the respective mission to assist the Indian driver who spent two years in jail in Hail.
“There was no positive response from any quarters and finally this Saudi benefactor came to the rescue of all,” he said.
While complimenting the Shariah laws in the Kingdom, the diplomat pointed out that the case was settled under private rights clause of the Islamic law. He also took the opportunity to thank the Saudi donor who voluntarily came forward to help the concerned parties.
“The Saudi philanthropist will not only get the blessings of God but also the prayers of the two afflicted families,” Wijesundera added.
