Saturday, February 5 2005 18:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dubai: An Indian convicted of burning a compatriot to death was beheaded in Aseer in southern Saudi Arabia today (Feb 05, 2005).

G Krishna allegedly burnt one Madrasa Iqbal to death while the latter was asleep following some quarrel.

The Saudi authorities do not inform the foreign missions ahead of the execution of expat convicts, according to Indian embassy sources. This has made it difficult for embassies to keep track of or defend those accused of serious crimes, they added.

This execution brings the total number to nine this year in Saudi Arabia, one of the countries with worst human rights record.

In 2004, Saudi authorities executed 35 people and 52 the year before. Many are publicly beheaded. As per Sharia rule, Saudi Arabia gives death to those convicted of murder, rape and drug trafficking.