Bombay High Court Denies Abu Salem's Parole for Brother's Mourning

The Bombay High Court has refused parole to underworld don Abu Salem, citing his inability to pay over Rs 17 lakh for police escort charges. Salem, serving a 25-year sentence for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, sought parole to mourn his brother's passing in Uttar Pradesh.

The Bombay High Court rejected a parole application from Abu Salem, an underworld figure serving a 25-year sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. Salem wished to attend his brother's mourning rituals in Uttar Pradesh.

The court's Division Bench, composed of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak, emphasized that Salem could not negotiate the Rs 17 lakh required for police escort costs. Salem's attorney, Farhana Shah, argued these charges were unaffordable due to Salem's financial hardships after years in prison.

Salem, convicted in multiple cases including the murder of Pradeep Jain, was captured in Portugal and extradited to India in 2005. His parole plea, essential for participating in his deceased brother's rites, was delayed by the court's recess and initially rejected by jail officials. The court left the option to withdraw the plea or face its dismissal, adjourning the case to Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)