Nimisha Priya case: MEA responds to reports on Kanthapuram's mediation efforts, says Centre took steps to delay execution

After Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya's death penalty was postponed by the Yemeni goverment, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the development, saying it was achieved after "concerted efforts" by the Centre.

Nimisha Priya, from Kerala's Palakkad, was found guilty of murdering Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni citizen, in 2017, following which she was sentenced to death.

When asked about the role of Grand Mufti of India Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, popularly known as Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "As far as the role of entity you mentioned is concerned, I have no information to share."

This comes after reports said Kanthapuram held talks with religious authorities in Yemen, including Sufi leader Sheikh Habib Umar bin Hafiz who intervened in the issue. His representatives reportedly met with the family of Talal on July 15. Among Talal's relatives was the Chief Justice of the Hodeidah State Court and a member of the Yemeni Shura Council.

Calling the Nimisha Priya case a sensitive issue, the MEA spokesperson said the Centre is providing all possible help in the case. "We have provided legal assistance and appointed a lawyer to assist the family," said the ministry, adding that it has arranged regular consular visits. It is also regularly in contact with the Yemeni authorities and the family members to resolve the issue.

The MEA said it has taken measures recently to delay the execution. "This included concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for the family of Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party," stated the ministry, pointing out that the local authorities have postponed her July 16 sentence.

The foreign ministry said it is in touch with friendly governments to provide all possible assistance.