Connect with us
Monday,25-May-2026
Breaking News

Crime

‘Not maintainable’: Delhi HC on Abu Salem’s habeas corpus plea

Published

on

The Delhi High Court on Monday said that the habeas corpus petition of extradited gangster Abu Salem claiming that his detention was illegal is not maintainable.

Abu Salem, currently serving life imprisonment for his role in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, was seeking his repatriation to Portugal in view of conventions governing the field and the treaty conditions.

A bench of Justice Sidharth Mridul and Justice A.K. Mendiratta said: “The petition is not maintainable as the habeas corpus doesn’t lie against an order of conviction.”

The court said Abu Salem was awarded a sentence by a competent court and said the habeas corpus petition can either be dismissed or the petitioner can withdraw it.

The court posted the plea for May, following the request of Abu Salem’s counsel, who sought time to take instructions to withdraw it.

On March 8, the Supreme Court had asked the Union Home Secretary to file an affidavit, whether the Centre is committed to adhering to the assurance given by the then Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani to Portuguese authorities, to not incarcerate gangster Abu Salem for more than 25 years while seeking his extradition.

The bench emphasised that not abiding by the assurance made to the Portugal authorities, could have wider ramifications and it may create problems while seeking the extradition of fugitives from other countries.

It had said it is not happy with the CBI’s reply in the matter and sought a response from the Home Secretary in three weeks.

The CBI, in its affidavit, had told the top court that an Indian court is not bound by the assurance given in 2002 by the then Deputy Prime Minister to the courts in Portugal that the gangster would not be imprisoned beyond 25 years after his extradition to India.

“The solemn sovereign assurance given by the then Deputy Prime Minister of India cannot be construed as a guarantee/ undertaking to assure that no court in India would award the punishment provided by Indian laws in force to the accused Abu Salem,” it said, adding that Abu Salem’s argument that imprisonment term cannot extend 25 years as per the assurance given is legally unsustainable.

Abu Salem had cited these assurances given by the Indian authorities before the courts in Portugal in 2002 and 2005 that he will not get death penalty or a jail term beyond 25 years. He was brought to India in 2005 and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Advocate Rishi Malhotra, representing Abu Salem, argued before the bench that as per the principle of reciprocity in Portugal, the courts cannot award a sentence for more than 25 years. He added that based on the principle, the Indian government had given a solemn sovereign assurance to the Portugal courts that in case Salem is permitted to be extradited back to India, he will not be given punishment for more than 25 years.

Crime

Nashik TCS harassment case: Police issue summons to AIMIM’s Mateen Patel

Published

on

Nashik, May 25: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Nashik Police has issued a summons to Mateen Patel, AIMIM corporator from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in connection with the high-profile harassment case involving the Nashik BPO unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), officials said on Monday.

Mateen Patel has been summoned for questioning under Section 35(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code (BNSS) to investigate certain facts related to the case and regarding his alleged assistance to the accused, Nida Khan.

Further investigation into the case is currently underway, officials stated.

Earlier, on May 22, the Nashik Police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet against the accused in the case. A total of nine FIRs were registered against the accused.

Of these, a chargesheet has currently been filed in only one case.

An official statement issued by the team of Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik revealed that the SIT — which is probing the allegations — has uncovered evidence regarding the forced religious conversion of the victim, an act that has caused offence to religious sentiments.

The police have also seized original documents used by the accused to alter the victim’s name and identity.

Furthermore, digital and technical evidence has been retrieved in the form of WhatsApp chat screenshots obtained from the mobile phones of both the victim and the accused.

The chargesheet names Danish Ejaz Shaikh, Tausif Bilal Attar, Nida Ejaz Khan, and AIMIM leader Mateen Patel as the accused.

Consequently, none of them has been granted bail.

The 1,500-page primary chargesheet was filed before the Additional Sessions and Special Court situated at Nashik Road, under Sections 61(2), 64, 68, 69, 46, 75, 319C(8), 299, 238, 249, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 3(1)(w)(i), 3(1)(w)(ii), 3(2)(v), 3(1)(s), and 3(1)(k) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

This marks the first charge sheet to be filed following the investigation into allegations of rape and causing offence to religious sentiments, which were originally registered at the Deolali Police Station in Nashik. Also, there are eight other FIRs registered by TCS employees at the Mumbai Naka Police Station.

The case gained widespread attention after details of alleged systematic harassment at the workplace surfaced, triggering outrage across Maharashtra.

Police officials have assured that the probe is being conducted thoroughly to ensure justice. The filing of the detailed charge sheet is being seen as a crucial milestone that could pave the way for the trial to commence in the near future.

Continue Reading

Crime

‘He Snatched My Phone When I Called 100’: Woman Recounts Terrifying Mumbai Auto Ride Near Airport

Published

on

A social media post detailing an alleged confrontation with an autorickshaw driver near Mumbai Airport has triggered concern among commuters and renewed discussions around passenger safety in the city.

The incident was shared on Sunday by an X user, who described her experience after exiting Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport. According to her post, the auto driver allegedly refused to operate the vehicle by meter and later became aggressive during the journey.

The woman claimed that matters escalated near Sahar Cargo Signal, where the driver allegedly threatened her. She further alleged that he snatched her mobile phone when she attempted to dial the emergency helpline number 100.

In her post, she stated that she had noted down the autorickshaw registration number and tagged Mumbai Police, Mumbai Traffic Police and the Commissioner of Police while seeking action.

Responding to the complaint on X, Mumbai Police acknowledged the incident and assured that the matter had been forwarded to the concerned department.

“Thanks for bringing this to our notice. Sahar Traffic Division has been informed about this,” the official handle replied.

The woman later responded to the police message, expressing hope that strict action would be taken against the driver.

“Thank you. I am hoping strict action is taken against such people,” she wrote.

The post quickly drew reactions from several social media users, many of whom expressed frustration over repeated complaints involving autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai.

One user commented that such incidents continue because some drivers allegedly feel they can escape consequences easily. Another advised the complainant to file a Right to Information application with the Sahar Traffic Division to seek updates on the case.

A third user alleged that corruption and bribery weaken public trust in enforcement systems and embolden offenders.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding commuter safety, refusal by some drivers to use meters and the need for stricter enforcement against misconduct involving public transport operators in Mumbai.

Continue Reading

Crime

Panvel Man Murdered Near Mosque Over Alleged Extramarital Affair Dispute

Published

on

Navi Mumbai: Panvel City Police have arrested two persons for allegedly murdering a 44-year-old man in the Patel Mohalla area of Panvel following a dispute linked to an alleged extramarital affair, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Salim Anwar Shaikh (44), a resident of Patel Mohalla. According to the police, the accused attacked Shaikh with a sharp weapon and assaulted him over previous enmity on Saturday night near a mosque in the locality.

During the attack, the main accused, Shahnawaz Altaf Shaikh, allegedly stabbed Salim four to five times in the back and also inflicted serious head injuries. The other accused, identified as Salim Khamu Shaikh and Altaf Shaikh, allegedly assaulted him with kicks and punches before fleeing the spot.

Shaikh was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment on Sunday morning.

Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was allegedly involved in an extramarital relationship with a woman from the same area. He had reportedly started living with his wife again over the past few days, which allegedly led to tensions between the parties.

Initially, Panvel City Police had registered a case of attempt to murder, but sections related to murder were later added after the victim’s death.

According to investigators, the attack was allegedly carried out due to previous rivalry and anger over the victim’s alleged inappropriate behaviour towards relatives of the woman involved. Police said the woman’s husband, son and their associate were involved in the crime.

A murder case has been registered against three accused, of whom two have been arrested so far. Further investigation is being conducted by Police Sub-Inspector Sanjay Aspadwar.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending