RAK police clears debts of 31 prisoners

Ras Al Khaimah - The inmates were also given air tickets for travelling back home.

The Ras Al Khaimah Police, in line with the 'Year of Giving' presidential initiative, have paid out the debts of 31 default inmates. 
The prisoners, earlier ordered to be deported after fully serving their jail term for failing to pay outstanding debts, were also secured air tickets home, according to a senior police officer. 
Major Adnan Al Hammadi, head of the reform and rehabilitation section at the RAK police, said 50 more default inmates are to be released after making the payment of their debts. 
"However, the situation of these inmates is currently under study, and the final steps are mostly to be taken soon with the help of philanthropists here in view of the "Year of Giving' drive." 
The move is part of the 'Giving Basket' initiative, he added. "We closely look into the cases of each and every inmate, disregard of their nationality, religion, colour, or ethnic grounds." 
The RAK police have formed a specialised team from the punitive and correctional department that includes businessmen and philanthropists here as members to assume this promising drive, Major Al Hammadi explained. 
"The kind gesture also spans the financially incapable inmates and provides some help to their families to ease their suffering and meet the needs of their dependents as well." 
As per the initiative, the RAK police have decided to contribute Dh400,000 to settle the debts of some inmates whose cases have been thoroughly studied.
"The pioneering 'Giving Basket' has been conducted in collaboration with two philanthropic businessmen here as they will happily donate Dh200,000 each for this noble cause." 
Emirati businessmen Fahid Al Sherawi and Saeed Al Abedi have decided to be part of this initiative to settle the financial difficulties of default in mates in a positive response to the 'Year of Giving' initiative.  
Meanwhile, the civil defence department launched an extensive campaign to develop awareness of drivers about due safety rules at the petrol stations. 
"Up to 5,000 brochures in Arabic, English and Urdu have been distributed to the drivers at different fuel pumps of the emirate," said Brigadier Mohammed Al Zaabi, director of the RAK civil defence department.
The drivers were advised on the right speed limit at petrol stations, and how important it is to fall in line at the right place, switch off the engine, leave a safety space during petrol filling, he added.
"They have also been enlightened hold the petrol pipe as due, never overfill the fuel tank, never smoke or use their mobile phones, never open the bonnet close to the filling area, and report any fuel leakage to the in-charge."
The drivers have also been urged to immediately leave the vehicle in emergency situations, Brig. Al Zaabi elaborated. "They were also advised to learn how to use the fire extinguisher and report any fire to the body concerned."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com  

• Ras Al Khaimah