New Delhi : Gangster Abu Salem has not received relief from the Supreme Court of India. The court has rejected his request for early release from jail in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.
Salem’s lawyer told the court that he has completed 25 years in prison and should now be freed. He said Salem has been in custody since November 11, 2005. But the judges asked whether this 25-year period includes remission (sentence reduction). The court did not accept the argument and refused to release him.
Salem was arrested in Portugal in 2002 in a fake passport case. Later, India asked Portugal to send him back. Portugal agreed, but with two clear conditions — Salem would not get the death penalty and would not be jailed for more than 25 years. After India gave this promise, he was brought back to India in 2005.
The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts were one of the worst terror attacks in India. On March 12, 1993, several bomb explosions took place at important places in the city, including the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Air India building. Hundreds of people were killed and injured. The court said Salem was convicted under the anti-terror law Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, and special relief cannot be given easily. The judges asked him to approach the High Court if he wants further action.
