2003 Mulund bomb blast accused walks to freedom

Convicted for the 2003 bomb blasts, Saquib Nachan, Wednesday was released from Thane Central jail. Nachan was convicted for possessing weapons under the Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA) and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. After being released from prison, Nachan left for his native town of Padhga with his relatives.

In 2002 and 2003, within a span of four months, there were four blasts at Mumbai Central, Vile Parle and Mulund railway stations that killed 12 persons. Nachan was accused by Mumbai Police as the mastermind of the blasts and he was arrested from Padgha of Thane district.

Nachan was the former secretary of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Nachan completed 10 years of punishment out of which one year and eight months were spent as a convict at the Thane Central Prison, while the remaining period was spent as an undertrial.

"I respect the judiciary system and after my release I wish to spend quality time with my family members," said Nachan.

"The prison authorities and conditions in the jail are proper. Now, as a grandfather, I would bring up my grandchildren," said Nachan.

It was a festive time for the guests and family members who thronged the residence of Nachan. Sweets were distributed in the locality and special dishes were made for the guests. "We are happy that Saquib Bhai has returned and we still feel that he was framed by the government for doing social work for our community," said a local resident.