By TCN News
Jeddah: Thanks to the efforts of India fraternity Forum, a social organization of NRIs of Saudi Arabia, three out of four Mangaloreans, who were jailed under STC illegal Call Routing (Hundi Calls) case, were released last week from Jeddah Jail.
After paying negotiated fine amount to STC, honorable judge Saad Al Garni who is chairing the probe into this case ordered the release of these three prisoners. Saudi officials confirmed that accused Riyaz Bajpe and Fairoos Ullal have been deported on May 7 from Jeddah airport and another accused Nasir Bunder is waiting for his turn at the deportation center.
As per the complaint registered by STC Telecom Company in March 2003, 8 Mangaloreans had been implicated for allegedly passing and routing of illegal telephone calls and were charged with 6.7 Million Saudi Riyals fine. The family members also disclosed that these unfortunate young men were made scapegoats for another’s wrongdoings as they are unable to communicate in Arabic or English.
India Fraternity Forum had formed an ad-hoc committee in the year 2010 for the follow up of the case.
Since then IFF has been constantly in touch with Indian Consulate Jeddah and had approached lot of Indian Business men and other NRIs donors to support to raise the release fund to pay the fine imposed on these prisoners. IFF and Altaf Ullal jointly took the responsibility to raise the required fund from the generous donors from Indian Community. They have been successful in approaching and convincing the donors to provide the financial support for these three young men.
IFF had appointed lawyer Hamid Jameel to represent the accused in court. IFF Regional President Shamsuddin appreciated the extended support from Indian consulate, IFF volunteers for their hard work and the generous NRI donors in the community. The lawyer also confirmed last accused, Mohammed Shareef Kannur, is also expected to be out from the jail soon.
India Fraternity Forum has been actively involved in the area of socio-cultural, sports, and welfare activities in the KSA for over a decade.