A Kashmiri man has gone missing from Saudi Arabia, where he has been imprisoned for nearly five years under what his family claims are false charges.
Abdul Rafi Baba, originally from Soura, Srinagar, was arrested by Saudi authorities on March 1, 2020, from his workplace at King Faisal University in Hafoof Al Hasa.
According to his family, Abdul Rafi, who moved to Saudi Arabia ten years ago in search of work, was living a peaceful life without any criminal history in India. His family asserts that the arrest is linked to internal disputes within his company, and he was falsely implicated.
Manzoor-ul-Haq Baba, his father, speaking expressed the anguish of the family. “We were initially unaware of the reasons behind his arrest. His colleagues later informed us that he was caught up in company issues and falsely charged,” he said.
“I am an old, ailing man, and my wife has passed away. I have no means to fight for my son’s release. His wife and children are suffering terribly. Despite writing to the Union Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister, we have received no response,” added Manzoor-ul-Haq Baba, who is desperate to see his son freed.
The family further revealed that Abdul Rafi was able to make a brief phone call, during which he claimed he was framed in baseless cases. Without legal representation, his case has not been adequately pursued in Saudi courts, they said.
In light of their financial struggles, the family has urged the Union Home Minister and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene.
“We cannot afford legal action in Saudi Arabia. Before my death, I just want to see my son free,” pleaded Manzoor-ul-Haq Baba.