Office boy turned businessman paralysed, trapped in debts in UAE

Top Stories

Indian expat, Office boy, tycoon, paralysed, trapped, debts, UAE
Moosakutty was an office boy in Abu Dhabi who managed to save up enough money to launch a business. - Supplied photo

Sharjah - The former businessman is living in a dingy home in a villa complex in Sharjah.

by

Dhanusha Gokulan

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Tue 10 Sep 2019, 5:51 PM

Last updated: Tue 10 Sep 2019, 6:22 PM

Just like any other Indian expat, Moosakutty Puzakkara came to the UAE dreaming of a better life. He was able to launch a business, but the past decade had been tragic for him. He incurred a Dh1.5-million debt; was jailed from 2012 to 2015; had not seen home for 15 years; and the right side of his body is paralysed.
Today, the former businessman is living in a dingy home in a villa complex in Sharjah. He couldn't speak clearly or eat on his own.
He used to live with his family in the UAE, but when he lost everything, he had to send his wife and three kids home. Now, they just fly in on visit visa every three months to take care of Moosakutty.
Moosakutty was an office boy in Abu Dhabi who managed to save up enough money to launch a business, his wife told Khaleej Times.
But the tragedy started when he encountered problems with his business and, since 2005, cases had been filed against him in Ras Al Khaimah. "There was a small misunderstanding between my partner and I. That's what caused all this," he said.
His wife and daughter had to translate his words to visitors, as Moosakutty could communicate only in incoherent syllables that sounded like loud grunts.
"According to the case judgement, I was ordered to pay Dh1.5 million to the complainant. But I don't have that kind of money. I was jailed from 2012 to 2015," he said. A travel ban had also been in place. The 'company's sponsor' has refused to help the family unless the dues are paid.
In 2017, Moosakutty suffered a stroke, which had caused the paralysis. For the last years, he had been knocking on all doors for help.
Kuwaiti Hospital waived off his bills, and the family now lives off donations from kind-hearted individuals.
Every month, they have to spend Dh1,500 for rent, water and electricity. "There are families who help us out with some money," said his wife.
"I had to move back to India with our kids, two boys and a girl, so that they could continue their education," she said.
Moosakutty's daughter added: "We studied in Dubai until Grade 8. After that, the problems started."
Family sees hope, thanks to businessman
After 15 long years of having to go through a series of tragedies, Moosakutty and his family are starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Indian businessman Yusuff Ali stepped in to help the desperate family.
"I was moved to hear Moosakutty's tragic story. He has been suffering for the last 15 years. I personally visited him and his family last week in Sharjah to know more about the issue," Ali told Khaleej Times.
"After learning all the details, I have decided to extend all possible help - monetary or otherwise - to bring his suffering to an end."
Moosakutty was overwhelmed and after a long time, he had found the hope he needed to dream big again.
"With Yusuff Ali's involvement, I feel like I got a new lease in life," he said.
"I feel like I've been given a second chance. I want to go back to India, get better, and then pay off my debts, and finally come back here and start again."
Ali assured that he and his team are doing their best to send the expat and his family home.
"I will do this so that he and his family can finally go back home in Kerala as soon as possible. I am personally monitoring his case with my team."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com


More news from