Srinagar man detained in Saudi Arabia for 4 yrs, family seeks Govt’s intervention

Srinagar, Feb 02: A 36-year-old engineer from Soura, Srinagar has been held in a Saudi Arabian prison for the past four years, leaving his family trapped in an endless cycle of worry and hope.
The incident dates back to March 1, 2020, when Abdul Rafi Baba was detained by Saudi police at his workplace at King Faisal University in Hofuf, located in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa region.
Since then, his family has made countless visits to various organizations and inquiries in search of crucial information regarding his safety and whereabouts.
Rafi had moved to Saudi Arabia a decade ago in pursuit of better job opportunities. Over the years, he became the cornerstone of his family’s financial stability. However, his unexpected arrest has left his family in a constant state of fear and sorrow.
Manzoor ul Haq Baba, father of Rafi told Rising Kashmir that his son left home ten years ago to earn a livelihood. There is not a single case against him here in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone can verify this with the J&K Police,” he said.
“We don’t know the charges against him. His colleagues in Saudi Arabia mentioned some internal company issues, and he was arrested on false accusations,” Manzoor added.
He said he had written letters to Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar but things have remained unchanged. It has been long wait for the family, Baba said.
Mansoor said that his son is was framed in false charges. “He told me he was framed in false cases, that nothing had been proven against him, but without legal support, he is not getting justice in Saudi courts,” he said.
“We appeal to Home Minister, Amit Shah, and Member of Parliament for Srinagar, Syed Aga Ruhullah, LG Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah, to raise the issue of Abdul Rafi Baba’s unlawful detention in Saudi Arabia with the authorities and seek immediate action from the Indian government,” he said.
Mansoor said that his family has been enduring years of emotional turmoil, uncertainty, and financial distress, with no clarity on his condition or whereabouts.