CBI opposes gangster Abu Salem plea seeking clarity on his release date

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opposed gangster Abu Salem’s plea seeking to know the approximate date of his release after completing his jail sentence. Salem was sentenced to two life terms for his involvement in the 1993 bomb blasts and the murder of builder Pradeep Jain.

However, Salem approached the Supreme Court, reminding the Centre that he was extradited from Portugal under a treaty that included assurances he would not face the death penalty and that his sentence would not exceed 25 years.

According to the top court’s order, this 25-year period is to be calculated from October 12, 2005, the date he was taken into custody by Indian authorities.

The CBI stated that Salem must serve a total of 25 years, including the time he spent as an under-trial prisoner. The recognition of the 25-year period will arise only one month prior to the completion of the 25 years, the CBI noted. Therefore, the prison authorities are not obligated to provide the convict with an exact release date, as stated in an affidavit filed by the agency.

Furthermore, the CBI explained that remissions are only calculated when assessing the actual sentence for commutation purposes. The probe agency stated that their interpretation aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling, and any needed clarifications should be sought from the top court.

Currently, Salem is incarcerated at Nashik Central Prison, where he claims to have served over 23 years. However, the CBI contends that he has only completed about 19 years in custody, meaning he still has time left to serve before he can be released.