Abu Salem ‘fears for life’, Taloja jail told not to shift him

MUMBAI: A special court on Friday directed Taloja jail authorities not to transfer 1993 Bombay serial bomb blasts convict Abu Salem until further orders, after the extradited gangster moved court expressing fears for his life and cited depression.

Salem sought direction to Taloja Central Jail Superintendent to not transfer him to another prison facility. Salem, who has been in jail since his extradition from Portugal 19 years ago, apprehended that as his release from the jail is near, a conspiracy is being planned to kill him by transferring him to other prions where there is a threat to his life. Salem also cited two previous attacks, including one by now deceased gangster and co-convict Mustafa Dossa in Arthur Road jail. His plea said even Dossa is not alive, however his associates and those of Chota Rajan are lodged in various prisons like, Mumbai Central Jail, Aurangabad Central Jail, Amravati Central Jail and Kolhapur Central Jail and he apprehends they will bribe and pressure jail officials and attack him. The matter has been adjourned to May 28 for the superintendent's reply.

Salem's plea said Taloja Jail (Anda Cell) authorities are planning to transfer him on the excuse of breaking down or repairing the Anda Cell for security reasons. "That even if it is considered to be true requires repairing, the applicant (Salem) can easily be shifted to any other circle or barrack or safe space inside Taloja Central Prison itself as it is huge and very spacious...," the plea said.

He said he has been lodged in Taloja jail for 15 years, he knows almost all prisoners and none of them is connected to any gangsters who can cause serious threat to his life. "...thought of his transfer... is creating a fear of safety and security to his life in his mind thereby causing him to fall in depression," the plea said.

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