Abu Salem Withdraws Petition Against Transfer to Nashik Jail After Move Is Executed
Abu Salem, a convicted key player in the 1993 Mumbai bombings, has withdrawn his petition challenging his transfer from Taloja Central Prison to Nashik Central Prison. Salem had filed the plea with the Bombay High Court seeking to block the transfer, citing concerns over his safety. However, the petition was rendered moot after Salem was moved to Nashik jail on July 4, before the court could hear the case.
The Bombay High Court, presided over by Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, subsequently disposed of the case on August 1 following Salem’s withdrawal.
Salem, who is serving a life sentence, initially sought to prevent the transfer, arguing that it posed a threat to his life. He had approached the sessions court with a similar request on June 25, which was denied but led to a temporary stay on the transfer until July 3. The sessions court was informed by Taloja prison officials that Salem’s high-security cell needed urgent repairs, necessitating his relocation.
In his petition, the 62-year-old convict argued that the transfer was unjustified and possibly malicious. He suggested that repairs could be conducted while he remained in a secure area within Taloja Prison rather than moving him to another facility. Salem also raised concerns about his safety due to previous attacks and the presence of rival gang members in other Maharashtra jails, including Nashik, citing recent violent incidents in Nashik and Kolhapur jails as evidence.
Despite his concerns, Salem was transferred as planned. Following his relocation, he chose to withdraw his petition, leading to the case being closed by the Bombay High Court.
Advocates Ashwini Achari and Taraq Sayed represented Abu Salem, while Public Prosecutor HS Venegavkar and advocate MM Deshmukh appeared on behalf of the State.
(With inputs from agency)
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