Maharashtra Opposes Abu Salem's Parole Citing Absconding Risk and Diplomatic Concerns

The Maharashtra government opposed gangster Abu Salem's plea for 14 days' parole to attend rituals following his brother's death, citing risks of absconding and potential diplomatic tensions with Portugal, from where Salem was extradited. The state suggested a maximum two-day emergency parole with police escort. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), prosecuting Salem in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, sought to be added as a respondent, warning that parole could cause law and order issues. The Bombay High Court will hear the plea on January 28.