16 September,2026 07:13 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan. PIC/X
A row has erupted over Maharashtra State Minority Commission (MSMC) Chairman Pyare Khan's visit to Nashik Central Prison, where gangster Abu Salem is serving life sentences. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded Khan's removal, alleging that he later spoke in favour of Salem's release.
Khan has denied the allegation and also said he would resign "in 30 seconds" if the authority that appointed him as MSMC Chairman asked him to step down, news agency PTI reported.
Salem is lodged at Nashik Central Prison, where he is serving life sentences for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts and a 1995 murder case.
In a setback for Salem, the Supreme Court on September 10 dismissed his plea seeking release from custody on the ground that he had completed 25 years in jail in India, as stipulated under the terms of his extradition from Portugal.
VHP Nagpur Maha Mantri Amol Thakre on Tuesday alleged that Khan met Salem at Nashik Central Prison last week and later said that the gangster should be released.
A VHP delegation met the Nagpur district collector a day earlier, demanding Khan's removal from the post and an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Speaking to PTI Videos on Wednesday, Khan said the commission visits jails across all districts to hear the grievances of inmates belonging to minority communities.
"It was an official visit. Members of the commission don't know in advance about the identity of prisoners and who is lodged where. The commission meets prisoners suggested by the jailer," Khan said.
He said the visit took place inside Nashik prison and that the commission met prisoners belonging to all minority communities.
"We have asked the (zonal) DCP (of) Azad Maidan police station (in Mumbai) to investigate who gave wrong statements on this issue," he said.
Asked whether Salem had sought his release during the commission's visit, Khan said Salem told one of the commission members that he had completed 25 years in prison and therefore should be released.
"However, we told him that his case is under consideration by the Supreme Court and the High Court, and the commission cannot help him," Khan added.
Speaking to news agency IANS in Nagpur, Khan said the commission's jail visits are part of official tours involving the collector, commissioner, and representatives of relevant departments.
"The commission was established by the government to address the issues faced by minorities. During these visits, the concerns of the minority community are heard and acted upon," he said.
Rejecting the allegation that he had sought Salem's release, Khan said the decision was outside the commission's jurisdiction.
"Firstly, such a decision does not fall under our jurisdiction. Secondly, show me any official statement where I have made such a request. Thirdly, we were not even aware of whether Abu Salem was present there or not," he told IANS.
Khan said Salem had only raised the issue of his completed jail term with a commission member.
"Abu Salem merely mentioned to a member of our commission, âMy 25 years are complete, so shouldn't I be released now?' I responded right there, telling him, âYour matter is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, and it is outside our jurisdiction. We can only address matters based on the list provided to us by the jailer,'" he said.
On the VHP's demand for an NIA and CBI investigation, Khan said, "Let the investigation happen and action should be taken against whoever is guilty, be it VHP or Pyare Khan."
Meanwhile, Khan told a television channel that he had sent defamation notices to some news channels for carrying incorrect reports about the controversy.
(With PTI and IANS inputs)
