VHP alleges minority panel chief met 1993 blasts convict Abu Salem

A major controversy has emerged after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad claimed that Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, visited Nashik Central Jail and met Abu Salem, a convict in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. The claim is expected to raise a political storm.

Amol Thackeray, VHP's Nagpur Mahanagar minister, has demanded a probe into Khan over the meeting. The VHP said it was a serious matter for someone holding a sensitive constitutional post to meet a person with a criminal background.

The organisation has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter by the CBI and the NIA. The VHP submitted a memorandum to the Nagpur district magistrate in this regard, with copies also sent to the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The VHP has also demanded that the reason behind the meeting with Abu Salem and its nature be investigated.

Thackeray said the VHP has submitted a memorandum to the district magistrate seeking a probe after the claim that Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra Minority Commission, met Abu Salem, a convict in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, at Nashik jail.

Thackeray said Khan visited Nashik jail and met Abu Salem, a convict in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, and that is why the VHP has demanded a probe. He said it is a serious matter for a person holding a sensitive constitutional post to meet someone with a criminal background, and demanded that Khan be removed from his post. He also reiterated the demand for a CBI and NIA investigation into the matter.