Mangaluru woman held in captive in Saudi returns home

A woman from Vamanjoor in Mangaluru, who was in distress in Saudi Arabia, finally returned to her hometown on Sunday.

Thanks to the efforts of Indian Social Forum, Vijaya, wife of Balappa Balakrishna was able to return to her native. She was working as a domestic help and was freed from her employer who has allegedly kept her captive in his house.

Vijaya's family members heaved a sigh of relief after she landed in Mangaluru International Airport.

After the Indian Social Forum (ISF) intervened, she was handed her over to Saudi emigration officials at Dammam airport on Saturday. After completing due procedures, she returned to Mangaluru via Mumbai.

Vijaya's relieved family members, along with ISF members Nasir Ulaibettu, Salim Mudigere and Athaulla Jokatte, accorded her a warm welcome at the airport.

Vijaya had left for Saudi Arabia on July 15, 2015. Initially, Vijaya could be contacted over phone. Over a period of time, there was no news from Vijaya.

After working for two years, Vijaya wanted to return home because of the health condition of her husband. However, her sponsors at Saudi Arabia did not allow her.

Riyaz Farangipet, an SDPI activist, came to know about the issue. He passed on the information to a group of young men hailing from coastal Karnataka based in Saudi Arabia, who in turn sought the help of Indian Social Forum.

Vijaya thanked the ISF for helping her to return to her native and hoped that the ISF will help others who are in distress in Saudi Arabia and help them to return home.