Tamil Nadu BJP Demands Cancellation of Parole for 1998 Coimbatore Bombing Convicts

Chennai, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has voiced strong opposition to the recent decision to grant a 60-day parole to five inmates serving life sentences for their involvement in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bombings. The party has urged the state government to revoke this parole immediately.

Narayanan Tirupathi, the main spokesperson for Tamil Nadu BJP, criticized the government’s leniency towards individuals convicted in terrorism-related cases. He emphasized that this decision fails to deliver justice to the victims of the bombings and raises serious questions about the government’s stance on such matters.

In a statement on social media platform X, Tirupathi argued that personal circumstances or health issues should not outweigh the severity of such a grave crime. He described the extended parole as an injustice to the victims and their families.

The five convicts granted parole include Mohammad Ansari, Mohammad Ali, Monappa (also known as Mohammad Hasan), Mohammad Azam, and Nawab Khan. All are currently incarcerated in Coimbatore Central Jail.

Reports indicate that the convicts requested parole citing personal and health-related reasons. According to officials, they have each spent over 25 years in prison and had previously received parole, although it was temporarily revoked during the assembly elections.

The bombings occurred on February 14, 1998, just before a scheduled rally for then Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani. The banned organization Al-Umma was accused of orchestrating the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 58 people and injuries to over 250 others.

Tirupathi pointed out that the Supreme Court had labeled the crime as “heinous” when it dismissed a bail petition related to the case. He called for the immediate withdrawal of the parole order, citing media reports.

He stressed that the government should prioritize the memory of the victims and public safety when making decisions. His accusations suggest that granting such relief sends a message of leniency towards those who attack society.

“Justice for the victims of the Coimbatore bombings cannot be overlooked for political calculations. The convicts must serve their full sentences,” Tirupathi stated.

In contrast, TVK MLA VMS Mustafa expressed support for the decision, thanking Chief Minister Vijay for granting the parole.

This move has sparked a political debate, with the BJP demanding the cancellation of the parole, while the government maintains that the relief was granted based on the personal and medical grounds cited in the petition.