Dh2.6m stands between prison and freedom

The sizeable sum of Dh2.6 million is the ticket to freedom for 13 Indians.

The Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC) says if it can collect the amount it could free the Indians languishing in prisons across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, despite having completed their sentences.

The ICWC has identified 13 prisoners, mostly involved in traffic accidents or similar offences.

“Some cases are really strange. We are trying to help a truck driver who was working in Kuwait. He was arrested following a road accident in the UAE. His vehicle was being towed away by another truck that rammed into a man. Unfortunately both the drivers were arrested. He continues to be in prison as he cannot afford to pay Dh200,000 as Diya, or blood money,” said K Kumar, Convener of ICWC.

The latest efforts are a part of the ICWC’s tenth anniversary.

“We have so far successfully handled 25 cases. In some cases we have paid the full amount while we have negotiated with the victim’s family and settled for lower amounts and an out-of-court settlement in many others. A lot obviously depends on the willingness of the victim’s family and how well we can negotiate,” he said. 

Kumar said the Dh2.6m would be the maximum amount the organisation would require.

“We are fairly confident that we can reach an amicable settlement for lower amounts in most cases. We take this opportunity to appeal to all companies to support a worthy humanitarian cause as part of corporate social responsibility,” he added.

In a recent case the ICWC managed to pay Dh27,000 to free an Indian construction worker. The ill-fated man was arrested on the first day of his work for a contracting company when he walked into and broke a glass door at the airport. He was admitted to the Rashid Hospital where he further damaged several medical equipment.

The ICWC also managed to collect Dh4,000 from the worker’s friends to pay a part of the fine.

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