Maharashtra Warns Court: Abu Salem’s Parole Could Trigger Diplomatic Fallout and Security Risks

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has strongly opposed gangster Abu Salem’s plea for extended parole, cautioning the Bombay High Court that any temporary release could pose a serious threat to national security and strain India’s international commitments.

In a detailed submission before the High Court, the state argued that granting Abu Salem 14 days of parole, even on humanitarian grounds, carries a high risk of him absconding. The government maintained that Salem’s past conduct and international criminal background make him a flight risk, and any lapse could harm India’s diplomatic credibility, particularly with Portugal.

The matter came up before a division bench of Justices A.S. Gadkari and Shyam Chandak. During the proceedings, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that it is the main prosecuting agency in Salem’s cases and should be formally included in the case. The agency also expressed apprehension that Salem’s release, even temporarily, could disturb public order and create serious law-and-order challenges.

According to prison authorities, Abu Salem was brought to India from Portugal under a strict extradition agreement that included binding assurances. The state told the court that India is legally and morally obligated to uphold those commitments. Any violation, especially if Salem escapes during parole, could lead to diplomatic embarrassment and undermine future extradition efforts.

The government further reminded the court that Salem had earlier evaded Indian law enforcement by fleeing the country in the early 1990s. This history, it said, reinforces concerns that he could attempt to escape again if given an opportunity outside prison custody.

Salem was extradited to India in 2005 after being arrested in Lisbon, where he was convicted for using forged travel documents. Since then, he has been convicted in multiple serious criminal cases, including the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, and is currently serving life sentences along with additional long-term imprisonment in other cases.

Officials also informed the court that a background check was conducted by Uttar Pradesh police, as Salem sought permission to visit Azamgarh. The police reportedly flagged the area as sensitive, leading authorities to reject his request for a longer parole period.

While opposing the 14-day parole, the state indicated that, if the court considers humanitarian relief unavoidable, it should be restricted to a maximum of two days under strict conditions, with travel time included in the parole period.