Mangaluru man, detained in Saudi jail; family appeals to Indian government for help

Mangaluru man, detained in Saudi jail; family appeals to Indian government for help

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 1, 2024: A 65-year-old man hailing from Mangaluru is said to be enduring a prolonged stay in a prison in Saudi Arabia, spanning over 9 months. His family has urgently appealed to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for intervention to secure his release.

According to the relatives, Ismail Dandarakondi had been residing in the Gulf nation for more than 27 years, where he operated a laundry business in Riyadh for close to a decade.

The family alleges that Ismail found himself in financial distress after borrowing money, leading him to transfer ownership of his business to another individual.

Further claims from the family suggest that Ismail was apprehended by Saudi authorities following a complaint of financial misconduct filed by an Egyptian citizen.

Ismail had reportedly borrowed 15,000 Riyals, repaying 6,000 Riyals with approximately 9,000 Riyals remaining. Despite Saudi law prohibiting interest charges, the Egyptian individual purportedly demands 38,000 Riyals, inclusive of interest, for the borrowed sum.

Additionally, Ismail’s family has revealed that he suffers from severe diabetes, high blood pressure, and related health issues. In a heartfelt plea, Ismail’s daughter has written to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, urging for governmental assistance in securing her father’s freedom.

Relatives of Ismail have shared that they have received assurances from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding efforts to address the situation.