Gangster Abu Salem, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, was termed an “international criminal” by Maharashtra. The state told the Bombay High Court he is eligible only for two days emergency parole with escort, rejecting his 14 days request.
MUMBAI: Gangster Abu Salem, currently serving a sentence for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, has been designated as an “international criminal” by the Maharashtra government.
The government informed the Bombay High Court that he can only be granted a two day emergency parole under police escort. In light of his elder brother’s death, Salem requested a 14 day parole.
Also Read: Gangster Abu Salem Challenges Prison Transfer in Bombay HC, Cites “Life Threat”
On March 12, 1993, Mumbai was struck by 12 synchronised bomb explosions within a two-hour window, hitting prominent commercial centres, public spaces, and transport-linked locations. Key targets included the Bombay Stock Exchange, Air India Building, Zaveri Bazaar, Plaza Cinema, Centaur Hotel, and multiple densely populated markets.
The coordinated attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people and injuries to over 700 others, leaving behind massive property destruction and widespread panic. Subsequent investigations found that the blasts were carried out by an organised crime network with international and cross border connections, involving the illicit movement of arms and explosives through India’s coastal routes.
The case brought to light a strong link between organised crime and terrorism, triggering one of India’s most extensive criminal probes. Several accused were prosecuted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and other penal statutes. Many were convicted and handed life sentences or capital punishment, while a few evaded arrest for years.
However, on 14 days parole request, public prosecutor Mankhuwar Deshmukh opposed this request, arguing that an extended parole was not feasible due to Salem’s criminal history.
Deshmukh stated in court,
“The prison authority has said he can be given two days’ parole along with police escort, the cost of which he will have to bear,”
Salem’s advocate, Farhana Shah, contended that the proposed two-day timeframe would be impractical, as Salem needs to travel to Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Shah argued, emphasizing that Salem is an Indian citizen, that,
“There is also no need for any police escort. He has been in jail for over two decades and is seeking emergency parole,”
A division bench consisting of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak instructed the state government to submit an affidavit outlining its concerns regarding the proposed 14 days parole and scheduled the case for further hearing next week.
In his December 2025 petition, Salem noted that his elder brother, Abu Hakim Ansari, passed away in November and that the delay in filing the court application was due to the Christmas vacation. Moreover, he pointed out that he had submitted a request for a 14 days emergency parole to prison authorities on November 15, which was denied by an order dated November 20, 2025.
Salem also highlighted that since his arrest in November 2005, he has been incarcerated and has received parole only on a few occasions, including after the deaths of his mother and stepmother.