Death Row Convict Attends Sister's Wedding After 18 Years

Death-row convict Salim has been granted a seven-day parole to attend his younger sister's wedding. Convicted in the 2008 Bawankhedi massacre, Salim has spent over 18 years in Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj. He returned to his village in Amroha district under heavy police escort for the wedding ceremony scheduled for October 25.

Salim expressed his long-held desire to attend his youngest sister Ayesha's wedding. During his parole, he was taken to Hasanpur Kotwali for formalities. When questioned about the murders, he remained silent but claimed his good conduct secured his parole. Police warned him against any unlawful activities during his temporary release.

The Bawankhedi massacre occurred in April 2008, resulting in the deaths of seven family members of Shabnam, Salim's co-accused. Both were sentenced to death in July 2010, a verdict upheld by higher courts. Salim's execution is pending, as is Shabnam's, who faces the possibility of becoming the first woman hanged in independent India.