The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that the proposal for the premature release of extradited gangster Abu Salem is currently under consideration, and a decision is expected soon.
Salem, convicted in multiple criminal cases including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, has filed a petition seeking early release, claiming he has effectively completed his 25-year prison term, factoring in remission for good behaviour. He was extradited from Portugal in November 2005 following assurances by the Indian government that he would not face a sentence exceeding 25 years.
The state government submitted two affidavits before a division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna on Wednesday in response to Salem’s plea. According to the affidavit filed by Sugriv Dhapate, Joint Secretary of the Home Department, the matter of Salem’s premature release is pending decision and is being evaluated as per procedure.
Another affidavit submitted by Suhas Warke, Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons, emphasized that Salem’s conduct and criminal history are being closely considered. “The petitioner, Abu Salem, has a history which is not a palatable one at all. He has committed many offences in India. Thereafter, he absconded to a foreign country,” Warke stated.
The affidavit further clarified that Salem has served 19 years, 3 months, and 20 days in prison as of February 28, 2025 — falling short of the 25-year term. It added that the proposal for his release was submitted to the state government in accordance with the Maharashtra Prison Manual, along with inputs from the advisory board and the trial court.
The bench has posted the matter for further hearing in June.
