AHMEDABAD:
Gujarat high court has permitted an ex-aide of former underworld don Abdul Latif, Salimkhan Sikandarkhan Pathan alias Azam, to get out of prison to make and sell rakhis for 10 days so that he could financially support his family.
According to Pathan’s advocate, the high court on July 9 ordered to release him on a 10-day parole to make arrangements for his son’s tuition fees. He was released on a report by the Sabarmati central jail authority that his conduct had been good.
After completion of 10 days, Pathan requested the court to allow him to remain outside for a few more days so that he can make financial arrangements for his family by carrying out seasonal business. Looking at the festival of Rakshabandhan ahead, Pathan’s family is engaged in making rakhis and they also sell rakhis on a hand-cart in the walled city. Pathan said he too would join his family in selling rakhis.
After hearing Pathan’s plea for extension of parole leave, Justice A J Shastri said, “I am inclined to extend parole leave for 10 days w.e.f. July 27, 2018 with a clear understanding that no further extension will be granted, on the same terms and conditions.”Pathan has been asked to mark his presence at police station on the first and last day of his temporary release.
Pathan has been behind bars for 25 years in connection with the murder of Rauf Valiullah, the Congress party
general secretary and an ex-Rajya Sabha MP on October 10, 1992 near Madhuban Complex. Pathan and others from the Abdul Latif gang were arrested and put on a trial for murder, criminal conspiracy as well as under the provisions of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act.
Fifteen years after the murder, a special TADA court convicted 11 persons including Pathan to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction a year later. A member of the dreaded gang, Pathan began to get parole for a few days every year to carry out seasonal businesses like making and selling rakhis, kites etc. to help his family.
(Representative image)
