KOZHIKODE: The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Vadakara, has ordered that Kuniyil Ibrahim, hailing from Vellikulangara in Eramala panchayat, should be considered an Indian citizen. The police had registered a case against Ibrahim in 2003, alleging that he is a citizen of Pakistan.
Ibrahim left for Pakistan 41 years ago in search of a job. He had also obtained a Pakistani passport. He came back to his native place following an announcement of a project by the Centre that non-resident Indians will be rehabilitated. It was also announced that certain norms under the scheme will be relaxed. After his arrival in 1998 a case was registered at Edacheri police station which led to his arrest in 2003. He was in police custody for around one-and-a-half months. Ibrahim had submitted a mercy petition to the then Union Home Minister L K Advani.
In 2003 July, police decided to deport Ibrahim to Pakistan. He was sent to the Wagah Border along with a team of policemen from Kozhikode.
But the Pakistan officials refused to accept him. Ibrahim was thus, brought back to Vadakara.
The police released him on bail on condition that he should sign the register kept at the police station every day.
This was relaxed to once-in-a week and then once-in-a month. Ibrahim, who has wife and two daughters, is now engaged in selling fish at Vellikulangara.
Magistrate Jomon John observed that Ibrahim is an Indian citizen as per his school certificate and voter’s identity card. Advocates Ajay and Ashraf appeared for Ibrahim.