A year after death, Indian's body finally flies home

The body of an Indian, who died in an accident in Saudi Arabia, is finally being flown back to his family in Kerala after a year of relentless efforts to overcome legal and bureaucratic hurdles.

Krishnankutty Nair, 55, who hailed from Kindangoor in Kottayam, Kerala, died on February 24, but could not be brought back home because his sponsor refused to complete the requisite formalities to transport the body.

Nair was working as driver with the Saudi sponsor in Jizan for 18 years, and died after the car he was driving hit a stray camel.

According to the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, Nair's sponsor refused to complete the formalities and demanded money for the damaged car before dispatching the body.

"The Consulate offered to pay all expenses in transporting the body but he refused to fulfill his obligation. The matter was taken up with the Saudi authorities and Jizan Governor for help," S D Moorthy, Consul (Community Welfare), said in a statement.
In the meantime, the sponsor also filed case against Shihab, a well-known social worker who had been authorised by the deceased's family to pursue the case for compensation for the damaged car.

However, Saudi authorities finally prevailed upon the sponsor and forced him to complete the formalities to transport the body.

"The Saudi Ministry of Interior Affairs issued the requisite clearance for transportation of the body yesterday (Saturday). The mortal remains of late Krishnankutty Nair is leaving today from Jizan to Cochin via Riyadh," said the statement yesterday.