1998 Coimbatore Blasts Convicts Get Parole, BJP Hits Out At Vijay Government
A parole for five of the 22 men convicted for their roles in executing the 1998 Coimbatore serial blast triggered a political controversy in C Joseph Vijay-led Tamil Nadu, with the ruling TVK and its allies saying it was high time the prisoners got relief and the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the government of "selective softness towards convicted terrorists".
The Tamil Nadu government allowed a 60-day break from jail to Mohammed Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Monappa alias Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Ajam and Nawab Khan, who were convicted for orchestrating the blasts that killed 58 people and injured over 250 ahead of BJP leader LK Advani's rally.
