An Indian, languishing in a Saudi jail for the last two years after he caused the death of a Sri Lankan in a road accident, walked free after a philanthropist paid the "blood money" to the victim's family on his behalf.
Shaheer Hussain, a Bihar resident, ran over Mohamed Varsai Aliyar in June 2005.
Based on evidence submitted by the traffic police, the deceased and the driver were held jointly responsible for the accident and the court asked Hussain to pay Rs 5.3 lakh in "blood money" -- a fine demanded from a person guilty of homicide or causing wrongful death.
Hussain, unable to pay the amount, spent two years in jail, but on Sunday a philanthropist walked into a courtroom and paid the money on the behalf of the man, The Arab News reported on Monday.
"I am paying the money not only to help the worker, but also to assist the bereaved Sri Lankan family to continue their normal life without a breadwinner," said the Saudi benefactor who was not named in the report.
The money was handed to the officials at the Sri Lankan Embassy.