India
BJP criticises 60-day parole for Coimbatore convicts
The Indian Express·
Tamil Nadu granted 60 days parole to five men serving life for the 1998 Coimbatore serial bombings. The main target was believed to be BJP leader L.K. Advani. The BJP accused the TVK government led by Vijay of selective softness. The five convicts are aged 46 to 55. The February 14, 1998 attacks killed 58 people and injured over 200.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Five life convicts from the 1998 Coimbatore case received 60 days parole.
- The state government said parole is a regular process after long imprisonment.
- TVK MLA V.M.S. Mustafa issued a statement thanking Vijay for the parole.
What's Happening
- The men named are Mohammed Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Monappa alias Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Ajam and Nawab Khan.
- Prison officials said earlier clearances were held during Assembly elections and fresh petitions were approved.
- BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy said personal grounds cannot override the gravity of the attack.
The 1998 Case Record
- Police arrested 168 people after the bombings; 158 of 166 tried were convicted in 2007, with 43 life terms.
- Al-Umma founder S.A. Basha and general secretary Mohammed Ansari were convicted of conspiracy.
- Courts have earlier granted interim leave to other convicts in the case on health grounds.
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