India, May 28 -- After facing a death sentence in Saudi Arabia, Abdul Rahim, a native of Kerala's Kozhikode, returned home to cheering crowds and concerned family on Thursday after spending twenty years in a foreign jail. The relief from the Saudi jail was possible due to a payment of Rs.34 crore (15 million Saudi Riyals) in blood money.

Rahim landed at the Karipur airport and was then escorted by his relatives. The former prisoner shed a few tears upon finally reaching his homeland following a 20-year-long wait, news agency PTI reported.

Businessman Bobby Chemmanur hugged him upon his arrival as crowd and media gathered at the airport for his welcome. Rahim was seen indicating a 'thumbs-up' impression.

"I am thankful to everyone who h...