**India Confirms Postponement of Kerala Nurse’s Execution in Yemen**
India has confirmed that the execution of Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse convicted in a 2017 murder case in Yemen, has been postponed by local authorities. This announcement comes amid misleading media reports suggesting that her death sentence has been revoked. The Indian government has urged the public to be cautious of unverified information regarding the case.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated during a press briefing in Delhi that the government is in constant communication with Nimisha and her family, providing necessary support while collaborating with local officials to expedite a resolution. “Thanks to our persistent efforts, the local authorities in Yemen have decided to delay the execution. We are closely monitoring the situation and offering all possible assistance, including discussions with friendly nations,” Jaiswal explained.
Contrary to claims made by the office of Grand Mufti of India Kanthapuram AP Abubakar Musliyar that Nimisha’s death sentence had been officially canceled, Jaiswal clarified that such reports are inaccurate. “This is a sensitive issue, and we encourage everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation,” he added.
Nimisha Priya, 38, originally from Palakkad district in Kerala, moved to Yemen in 2008 seeking better job opportunities. A trained nurse, she later partnered with Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi to run a clinic in Sanaa. However, their relationship soured when Mahdi allegedly harassed her, falsely claimed to be her husband, and confiscated her passport, preventing her return to India. In an attempt to reclaim her documents, Priya sedated Mahdi in 2017, which tragically resulted in his death from a suspected drug overdose. She was arrested, convicted of murder in 2018, and sentenced to death by a Yemeni court in 2020.
The case has garnered international attention, especially after Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi and Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat approved the execution in late 2024 and early 2025. However, following extensive diplomatic efforts by the Indian government and religious leaders, the execution has been postponed.
In conclusion, while the postponement of Nimisha Priya’s execution is a positive development, the situation remains delicate. The Indian government continues to work diligently to ensure her safety and seek a resolution to this complex case.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the current status of Nimisha Priya’s execution?**
A: The execution of Nimisha Priya has been postponed by Yemeni authorities, and the Indian government is actively working to resolve the situation.