Saudi Arabia has assured the Indian government that the eye of an Indian national languishing in a jail in that country would not be gouged out as directed by a court but said that certain procedures had to be followed for that.
Saudi Ambassador to India conveyed this assurance to Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed on Sunday night. Ahamed later conveyed the same to the Indian national Abdul Latheeef Naushad's wife Suhaila, who called on him Monday morning.
The Saudi government is sympathetic to the issue, Ahmed told PTI on Monday, adding that the Ambassador had assured that Naushad's eye will not be gouged out but that said certain procedures had to be followed," Ahmed said.
Naushad has been lodged in prison following the 'eye-for-an-eye' verdict by a Saudi Shariat court as punishment for causing an Arab man to lose an eye in a scuffle three years ago over monetary payment.
Naushad, who was a petrol pump worker in Dammam, however said that the Saudi national had not lost his eye due to the injury inflicted by him.
On reports that the victim had pardoned Naushad, which can ensure that his eye will not be gouged out, the minister said there was no official information in this regard.
Ahamed said he had explained to Naushad's wife about steps taken by the government so far and assured that efforts were being made to save her husband's eye.
"I am happy, I think I will get back my husband fit and fine. I think my prayers have been and answered," Suhaila said.