The Tamil Nadu government has approved parole for five convicts in the 1998 Coimbatore serial bombing case. The decision has triggered a political debate, with BJP leaders criticising the move and supporters defending it as a humanitarian measure.
The five convicts named in the report are Mohammed Ansari, Mohammed Ali, Monappa, also known as Mohammed Hassan, Mohammed Azam and Nawab Khan. The government reportedly approved their parole after considering factors such as the length of their sentences, conduct in prison and health-related concerns.
The decision is said to follow a state government order issued in February 2026 that expanded parole eligibility for long-term prisoners. According to the information provided, the approvals were made through routine procedures under the revised policy.
BJP leaders condemned the decision and demanded that the government revoke the parole approvals. They accused the ruling government of appeasement and argued that the decision could hurt the families of the victims of the 1998 bombings.
Supporters, however, described the move as a standard humanitarian measure for eligible prisoners. They argued that parole decisions based on established rules and individual circumstances should not automatically be treated as political decisions.
The 1998 Coimbatore serial bombings remain a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu. The latest decision has renewed debate over the treatment of long-term prisoners, the application of parole rules and the concerns of victims’ families.
The government’s decision and the political reactions have placed the parole policy under renewed public scrutiny.