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Yusuf Ali, 65, was born in Thrissur and built his business empire in the Middle East
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His Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Group runs Lulu Hypermarkets and shopping malls across the region
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According to Forbes, he is the richest expatriate in the UAE and was the first recipient of the UAE’s Gold Card permanent residency in 2019
For Becks Krishnan, a native of Thrissur in Kerala, freedom has come after nearly a decade of imprisonment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Once on death row, Krishnan is now set to return home, thanks to the intervention of prominent NRI businessman M A Yusuf Ali, who paid blood money to secure his release.
Krishnan was jailed in September 2012 following a tragic road accident in which his car hit a Sudanese boy, who later died. The UAE Supreme Court found him guilty of reckless driving and sentenced him to death. Since then, Krishnan had been living behind bars, while his family in Kerala struggled for years to find a way to save him.
A breakthrough came when Krishnan’s relatives approached Yusuf Ali, Chairman of the Lulu Group and one of the most influential Indian businessmen in the Middle East
Using his contacts, Ali helped trace the victim’s family, who had returned to Sudan. After discussions, they agreed to pardon Krishnan if blood money was paid, as permitted under UAE law.
Yusuf Ali then paid 500,000 UAE dirhams, which is roughly ₹1 crore, as compensation to the victim’s family through the court. This payment cleared the way for Krishnan’s release. The Lulu Group later confirmed that all legal procedures had been completed, ending nearly nine years of suffering for Krishnan and his loved ones.
Speaking briefly on the matter, Yusuf Ali thanked God and expressed his gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for allowing the release. He also wished Krishnan a peaceful and happy life ahead.
Krishnan is expected to travel back to Kerala soon to reunite with his family.
