A 41-year-old Keralite Muslim man, Abootty Vellili, from Peringad in Thalassery, Kannur, was executed in Saudi Arabia on September 27 after being convicted of smuggling methamphetamine into the country. Saudi newspaper Ajel reported the execution, while the Saudi Ministry of Interior identified Abootty as the person executed in the Eastern Province.
Abootty was executed at the Dammam prison premises after a specialised Saudi court convicted him of drug smuggling and sentenced him to death under discretionary punishment. The verdict was subsequently upheld by the relevant authorities, following which a royal order was issued for the execution.
43 Kg narcotics seized from GMC van
Abootty was arrested in 2023 after Saudi authorities reportedly seized 43 kilograms of narcotics from a GMC van he was driving. According to the prosecution, the drugs had been transported into Saudi Arabia by road from Oman.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior said the specialised court had found Abootty guilty of drug smuggling and imposed the death sentence. Following the completion of the judicial process and confirmation of the verdict, the royal order authorised the sentence to be carried out. The execution took place on September 27 in the Eastern Province.
Abootty’s case has also raised questions among people familiar with his circumstances in Keralam. Aslam Chinnan, a neighbour and panchayat representative, told the Media that Abootty had travelled to Saudi Arabia on a visit visa and could not legally obtain a driving licence there without a job visa.
Aslam said several questions surrounding the circumstances of the case remained unanswered. He also referred to claims concerning the circumstances under which Abootty became involved in the case.
“There had been earlier allegations that a friend from Kannur had defrauded Abootty in connection with his visa, while an Omani sponsor allegedly trapped him in the drug case,” Aslam said.
According to Aslam, Abootty’s family could not afford adequate legal representation in Saudi Arabia. He also said the family was unable to meet the expenses required to bring Abootty’s mortal remains back to Keralam.
Abootty is survived by his wife, two children who are in kindergarten classes and four sisters. Three of his sisters are married. His father died several years ago.
In Abootty’s case, Saudi authorities said the conviction followed the seizure of 43 kilograms of narcotics and the subsequent judicial proceedings. His execution was carried out after the verdict was upheld and the royal order for implementation was issued.
