An Indian expatriate in Qatar, whose restaurant closed down seven years back, has been stranded in the country ever since, unable to pay back QR 200,000 (Rs 2.3 lakh approx) as rent arrears.

P Aboo (61), who hails from Chavakkad in Kerala's Thrissur district, had opened a restaurant in Fariq Bin Mahmood region of Qatar, but financial problems led to its closure in 2001.

Following a legal battle with the owner, Aboo was told he could not leave the country until the debt was repaid.

Aboo, who has not seen his only daughter for the past nine years has taken every odd job to cover the debt.