Tamil Nadu BJP demands revocation of parole for Coimbatore blast convicts

The Tamil Nadu BJP has demanded the immediate cancellation of a 60-day parole granted to five life convicts involved in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blasts. The convicts—Mohammed Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Monappa (alias Mohammed Hassan), Mohammed Ajam, and Nawab Khan—were granted parole starting October 17, citing personal reasons and health conditions.

BJP leaders, including state president Nainar Nagenthran and spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy, criticized the C. Joseph Vijay-led coalition government for what they termed selective leniency toward those convicted of terrorism. They argued that the decision undermines justice for the victims of the 1998 attacks, which killed 58 people and injured more than 250 others.

The coordinated explosions, carried out by the banned Al-Umma organization, occurred on February 14, 1998, ahead of an election rally scheduled for then Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani. The BJP maintains that the gravity of the crime and public security should outweigh the personal circumstances of the prisoners, who have served over 25 years in prison.