Nimisha Priya case: 'Requested them to enable discussions about payment of blood money,' says Grand Mufti of India

Nimisha Priya

Grand Mufti of India, Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar said that he has requested Yemeni authorities to enable discussions about payment of 'blood money' to victim's family" for release of Nimisha Priya.

"I was informed by Yemeni authorities that Nimisha's execution is now postponed and I have also requested them to enable discussions about payment of 'blood money' to victim's family," he said.

The 37-year-old nurse from Kerala was convicted of murder and is facing execution.

“We are making this request out of compassion. If this demand is accepted, it will reflect the shared human values that unite all communities—Hindus and Muslims alike,” Musliyar said.

Congress leader KC Venugopal welcomed the postponement of the execution, stating, “We have received news that Nimisha Priya’s death sentence has been delayed. The Grand Mufti’s intervention is deeply appreciated, and we also thank anyone else working to save her life. Every effort to protect a human life is commendable.”

The Mufti’s remarks follow earlier reports that the Indian government’s “concerted efforts” helped secure a delay in the execution, which was originally set for July 16.

According to officials, the postponement offers Priya’s family more time to explore an acceptable resolution, as diplomatic discussions continue. Indian authorities are reportedly maintaining close contact with Yemeni jail officials and the prosecutor's office.

In the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of India informed the bench that the government is actively pursuing a suspension of the execution through ongoing negotiations with Yemeni authorities.