Misconduct charge lands Telangana man in Saudi Arabia jail over misbehaviour with schoolchildren; wife appeals for clemency and repatriation

HYDERABAD: A worker from Rajanna Sircilla district has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail in Saudi Arabia for alleged misbehaviour with school-going children. The 50-year-old driver from Mandepally village in Thangalapalli mandal was employed by a local family in Riyadh.

He reportedly tried to explain to police that his actions were misinterpreted and had no ill intent, but his kafil (employer) pursued the case, leading to his conviction on Feb 1.

He is currently lodged in Tarheel jail in Riyadh.In a letter to CM Revanth Reddy, his wife urged the govt to take up the case with the Indian embassy in Riyadh to help file a mercy petition. She submitted the letter at 'Pravasi Praja Vani' grievance forum at Praja Bhavan on June 20.

"While transporting the employer's children to and from school, his affectionate and friendly behaviour was misunderstood. My husband was unaware of local cultural sensitivities, which led to his arrest," she wrote. She has also requested her husband's repatriation after his release. The family is seeking clemency and early repatriation for the Sircilla man. Vice-chairman of NRI advisory committee, Bheem Reddy Mandha, said Pravasi Praja Vani coordinator and IAS officer Divya Devarajan has directed officials to write to the Indian embassy regarding the case.A Saudi-based social worker, Asani Raj Reddy, said although the court ruling cannot be challenged, a mercy petition can be filed through diplomatic channels.