Distraught Indian in UAE sees ray of hope

Abu Dhabi, Nov 25 (IANS) An Indian man who was forced to spend over eight months on the terrace of a building in UAE’s Ajman city is finally getting much needed offers of help, a newspaper said on Friday.

The dramatic turn in his fortunes came after the Khaleej Times published a story on the plight of Sajeev Rajan, who hails from Kerala and who lost his job eight months ago.

Moved by his suffering, an Indian philanthropist from Oman, K.T. Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeullah, has offered to put Rs 10 lakh in Rajan’s Indian bank account, the Khaleej Times reported.

Rabeeullah, Chairman and Managing Director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group, a healthcare conglomerate, came to Ajman to meet the electrician.

Rabeeullah also gave Dh 5,000 (Rs 93,000) in cash for Rajan’s immediate requirements, said Biju Karunagapally, a friend and well-wisher of the man from Kerala.

Several social workers and the Indian mission in the UAE have also come forward to help Rajan who, the daily said, had been living in "deplorable conditions" on the terrace of a residential building.

"Rabeeullah came directly from Oman to meet me and promised to help me financially," Rajan was quoted as saying.

"It is a big relief for me because my pocket is empty. I have not received any money for the past eight months and my travel back home seemed impossible."

The Indian Consulate is also offering help to Rajan.

His company officials have also agreed to cancel Rajan’s visa and return his passport. The consulate is considering offering him temporary accommodation and food.

"I visited the consulate and now I am getting support from all corners. Thanks to Khaleej Times," he said. "I am very happy and I will be flying home soon."