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Abu Salem's release rests with the court; family approaches Minority Commission, Chairperson clarifies
Nashik, September 9, 2026: The issue of the release of Abu Salem, the notorious gangster involved in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, has once again come into the spotlight. Salem's family has submitted an application to the Maharashtra State Minority Commission; he is currently lodged in the 'Anda Cell' (high-security cell) of Nashik Road Central Jail. Commission Chairperson Pyare Zia Khan met Salem during an inspection of the prison and subsequently briefed the media on the matter.
Salem has claimed that he has completed his sentence, citing the terms of the extradition agreement under which he was brought to India from Portugal. He maintains that he has served his full sentence without even availing the seven-day parole granted to him. Based on this claim, his family sought redress from the Commission.
However, Chairperson Pyare Zia Khan clarified that the final decision regarding whether Abu Salem has completed his sentence rests with the court, not the Minority Commission. Describing the matter as highly sensitive and *sub judice* (under judicial consideration), he stated, "This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the High Court and the Supreme Court; further action will be taken in accordance with the court's decision. The Commission's powers also have limitations."
Khan further stated that merely submitting an application or making a claim would not alter any decision regarding Salem's sentence. His claim will be examined against legal standards. If the court issues any directives, the Commission will provide assistance within its jurisdiction. However, there is no question of intervening outside the judicial process. Thus, he clarified that the ball regarding Salem's release lies entirely in the court's court.
Background:
Abu Salem was transferred from Taloja Jail to Nashik Road Central Jail two and a half years ago for security reasons. He had sought his release after 25 years, citing the extradition treaty with Portugal. However, the High Court rejected the petition, noting that he had not yet served 25 years of actual imprisonment. Now, his family has approached the Minorities Commission.
Nashik, September 9, 2026: The issue of the release of Abu Salem, the notorious gangster involved in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case, has once again come into the spotlight. Salem's family has submitted an application to the Maharashtra State Minority Commission; he is currently lodged in the 'Anda Cell' (high-security cell) of Nashik Road Central Jail. Commission Chairperson Pyare Zia Khan met Salem during an inspection of the prison and subsequently briefed the media on the matter.
Salem has claimed that he has completed his sentence, citing the terms of the extradition agreement under which he was brought to India from Portugal. He maintains that he has served his full sentence without even availing the seven-day parole granted to him. Based on this claim, his family sought redress from the Commission.
However, Chairperson Pyare Zia Khan clarified that the final decision regarding whether Abu Salem has completed his sentence rests with the court, not the Minority Commission. Describing the matter as highly sensitive and *sub judice* (under judicial consideration), he stated, "This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the High Court and the Supreme Court; further action will be taken in accordance with the court's decision. The Commission's powers also have limitations."
Khan further stated that merely submitting an application or making a claim would not alter any decision regarding Salem's sentence. His claim will be examined against legal standards. If the court issues any directives, the Commission will provide assistance within its jurisdiction. However, there is no question of intervening outside the judicial process. Thus, he clarified that the ball regarding Salem's release lies entirely in the court's court.
Background:
Abu Salem was transferred from Taloja Jail to Nashik Road Central Jail two and a half years ago for security reasons. He had sought his release after 25 years, citing the extradition treaty with Portugal. However, the High Court rejected the petition, noting that he had not yet served 25 years of actual imprisonment. Now, his family has approached the Minorities Commission.
Salem has claimed that he has completed his sentence, citing the terms of the extradition agreement under which he was brought to India from Portugal. He maintains that he has served his full sentence without even availing the seven-day parole granted to him. Based on this claim, his family sought redress from the Commission.
However, Chairperson Pyare Zia Khan clarified that the final decision regarding whether Abu Salem has completed his sentence rests with the court, not the Minority Commission. Describing the matter as highly sensitive and *sub judice* (under judicial consideration), he stated, "This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the High Court and the Supreme Court; further action will be taken in accordance with the court's decision. The Commission's powers also have limitations."
Khan further stated that merely submitting an application or making a claim would not alter any decision regarding Salem's sentence. His claim will be examined against legal standards. If the court issues any directives, the Commission will provide assistance within its jurisdiction. However, there is no question of intervening outside the judicial process. Thus, he clarified that the ball regarding Salem's release lies entirely in the court's court.
Background:
Abu Salem was transferred from Taloja Jail to Nashik Road Central Jail two and a half years ago for security reasons. He had sought his release after 25 years, citing the extradition treaty with Portugal. However, the High Court rejected the petition, noting that he had not yet served 25 years of actual imprisonment. Now, his family has approached the Minorities Commission.
