Samad released from jail, Bhatkal plans to celebrate

Samad released from jail, Bhatkal plans to celebrate

Mangalore Today News Network

July 5: Abdul Samad Siddibapa of Bhatkal was finally released after the completion of all legal formalities. He had been arrested by the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad from the Mangalore International Airport on May 25, 2010 on suspicion of being involved in the German Bakery blast of Pune and was later booked with regard to the 2009 illegal arms case.

Samad’s family and friends alleged that his arrest was a carefully planned conspiracy. His relatives stated that he had never visited Mumbai in his life and was not in Pune during the German Bakery blast. In fact, when the blast occured, Samad was in Bhatkal attending a cousin’s wedding. National news channels aired videos of this wedding several times proving his innocence.

Later, the public was amazed when Samad was produced in the Marzaon metropolitan court on charges of being involved in the illegal arms case of 2009. The ATS was even accused of suppressing facts regarding the German Bakery blast and attempting to wrongly book Samad in another case. At the same time, Muslim organizations in Bhatkal staged intense protests against the arrest of Samad.

Abdul’s family appointed Mubin Solkar, an advocate based in Mumbai, who informed the court that Samad was not accused in the arms case because his name was not mentioned in the FIR registered during the arms case. He also informed the court that Samad was being framed by the Maharashtra ATS. On June 15, Samad was granted conditional bail.

Since Samad hailed from Bhatkal, he found it difficult to find two residents of Mumbai to become guarantors for his release. Finally, the family was able to find two guarantors; and the authorities released Abdul Samad from the Mumbai Arthur Road jail after verifying their documents. Sources reveal that Samad will have to appear in court for two or three days, after which he will be free to return home.