West Bengal Challenges Early Release of 1993 Bowbazar Blasts Convict in Supreme Court The West Bengal government has moved the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order granting premature release to Mohammed Rashid Khan, convicted for his role in the 1993 Bowbazar blasts in
Kolkata that claimed 69 lives. The state’s counsel, citing the gravity of the offence, mentioned the matter before a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana, requesting a hearing on Monday, June 22.
The Chief Justice assured that the request would be considered. Khan was convicted on August 31, 2001, under the Indian Penal Code, the Explosives Act, and the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act for orchestrating the March 16, 1993, blasts in a crowded area.
Despite the State Sentence Review Board (SSRB) recommending against his release, the Delhi High Court ordered his release on June 5.
Khan, now 77 years old, had sought remission, citing over 33 years in judicial custody and his deteriorating health due to chronic ailments, including diabetes, hypertension, and a cataract.
He also pointed out that his co-convict, Pannalal Jaysoara, was granted premature release in March 2014.
The state argued that Khan was the mastermind behind the blasts and opposed his release, noting that the SSRB had initially recommended his release in March 2015 but later reversed its decision in September 2015.
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