Karnataka Assembly speaker UT Khader honored by Bahrain India Society
Speaker calls for high-level meeting between BIS, Karnataka Government
Bahrain: The Bahrain India Society honored UT Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, in a ceremony at The Diplomat Radisson Hotel in Bahrain on December 21, 2023. The event celebrated Khader's journey from Student Union leader to Speaker, acknowledging his significant contributions.
Chief Guest HE Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador, and members of the Bahrain India Society, government officials, private sector representatives, and distinguished businessmen attended the ceremony. Mohammad Mansoor, Board Member of Bahrain India Society, highlighted Khader's impact on society, tracing his progression from a Student Union leader to his current role.
"I had the privilege of spotlighting the remarkable achievements of Shri UT Khader, from his early days as a Student Union leader to managing crucial portfolios, including Minister of Health, Education, Urban Development, and reaching his current role as the esteemed Speaker, Khader's journey has garnered acclaim for its substantial contributions to societal betterment," said Mohammad Mansoor, Board Member of Bahrain India Society, as he addressed the attending guests.
Abdulrahman Juma, President of the Bahrain Indian Society, welcomed Khader and expressed gratitude to attendees. He emphasized Bahrain's business-friendly environment and urged the Speaker to support investment promotions. H.E. Vinod Jacob provided insights into India's achievements and its strong bilateral ties with Bahrain.
UT Khader thanked the Royal Family and commended the Bahrain India Society for organizing the event. He pledged support to Bahrain's visions and promised to strengthen cultural, bilateral, and economic ties. Shri Khader invited a high-level meeting between Bahrain-India Society and the Karnataka government, offering to facilitate Bahraini delegates witnessing Karnataka's assembly proceedings.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Vinod Das, followed by a networking lunch encouraging discussions on opportunities for ties in cultural, educational, sports, and economic sectors. Attendees explored potential joint projects between Bahraini and Indian counterparts. A.R. Juma, Chairman of Bahrain India Society, presented a memento to UT Khader along with H.E. Vinod Jacob.
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Mangaluru man released early from Saudi jail under National Day Amnesty
Mangaluru: A 66-year-old man from Mangaluru, Karnataka, who was serving a three-year jail sentence in Saudi Arabia, has been granted early release under the Kingdom’s National Day amnesty program. The man, identified as Ahmed Imran (name changed), worked as a driver in Jeddah before his arrest in September 2023.
Ahmed’s troubles began during a routine day at work when a neighborhood boy repeatedly harassed him while he was washing his employer’s car. Despite having previously complained to the boy's father about his behavior, no action was taken. Frustrated by the continued disturbances, Ahmed pushed the boy away. However, the boy reported the incident to his father, allegedly exaggerating the events.
The boy’s father lodged a police complaint, which led to Ahmed’s arrest. Following court proceedings, Ahmed was sentenced to three years in jail. Lacking the financial means to hire a defense lawyer, Ahmed was unable to appeal the judgment.
After his sentencing, Ahmed’s family and local leaders from Karnataka reached out for assistance. Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, a Riyadh-based pro bono lawyer and social worker originally from Udupi, took up the case. Dr. Hameed and his Saudi legal team worked to resolve the matter, including attempts to negotiate with the complainant. However, these efforts were unsuccessful.
As a final step, Dr. Hameed advised Ahmed’s family to submit a mercy petition to the authorities. Following consistent follow-ups, Ahmed’s case was included in Saudi Arabia's National Day amnesty program, which facilitates the early release of eligible inmates.
Ahmed was released within a year of his sentence, bringing relief to his family in India. Upon his return, he expressed gratitude to his employer in Jeddah and the individuals who assisted him during his ordeal, including Dr. Hameed, K.S. Nasir Asaigoli, a social worker from Mangaluru, and Azhar from Jeddah.
The National Day amnesty program, a regular initiative by Saudi Arabia, offers relief to many individuals, reflecting the Kingdom’s efforts to uphold principles of justice and clemency. Ahmed’s release highlights the importance of community support and legal intervention for expatriates facing challenges abroad.
