Mumbai: While cops search for him, missing murder convict files parole plea in court!

Azam Aslam Butt is known for jumping parole. File pic

A Santacruz resident and convicted killer, Azam Aslam Butt, has been giving authorities a run for their money for the past three months after he was released on parole. While the police are still looking for him, he is now attempting to manipulate the judicial process by filing a petition in the high court, claiming he is currently in Nagpur jail and requesting a three-month extension of his parole. Butt made the demand saying it is in accordance with the latest government guidelines for prisoners.

Recently, the Kalmana police in Nagpur registered an FIR against accused Azam Aslam Butt after he didn't return back to the jail after parole. mid-day has published a series of stories that show Butt securing parole using his contacts in the Nagpur jail and then jumping it. Butt is convicted for the killing of property dealer Kashinath Gharat in 2005.

Azam Aslam Butt, the accused

According to the writ petition filed by Butt's advocate in the HC on August 30, Butt is seeking directions for remission of three months of parole as per a notification issued by the government of Maharashtra dated June 3, 2017. "The issued notification is also attached in this writ petition and also attached is the appointment order issued by the High Court Legal Services Committee, Mumbai, dated February 16, 2023. In this letter it is written that the accused Azam Butt is currently in the Nagpur Prison," his petition states.

Butt has more than 13 serious criminal offences registered against him, for murder, cheating, jumping parole, extortion and assault, among other cases against him at Oshiwara, Santacruz, Kherwadi, Shivaji Nagar, Nalasopara and Juhu police stations. He also has cases registered at Porvorim in Goa and JMFC in Nagpur. This year, Butt jumped parole for the fourth time. He was lodged in Nagpur jail and released on parole for 28 days on April 7. He should have returned to the jail before 5 pm on May 6. However, he didn't and the Nagpur jail authorities informed the Kalamna police who registered an FIR against him in this regard.

Speaking to mid-day Vishwanath Gharat - a brother of Kashinath Gharat who was killed by Butt - said, "Now he is misleading the court and demanding parole for 90 days. However, in reality, he is absconding and didn't return to the jail. Jail authorities are helping Butt to get parole." According to the new parole guidelines issued by the Maharastra Government, if an accused is undergoing punishment with three months in jail, he can avail of seven days parole, while 3-12 month terms allow 15 days parole, 1-5 years (2 months) and more than 5 years/life imprisonment (90 days).

mid-day has carried a series of reports of Butt who has been seen partying and picnicking with Nagpur jail constables, and securing parole despite repeatedly not returning to jail. He has also been seen clicking photos with the ‘26/11 heroes' at Juhu police station while paying tribute to them. He apparently forged witness documents and got them verified by a Nalasopara cop, which came to light after the HC asked the Oshiwara police to verify the documents. The Oshiwara police found them to be fake and registered a case against Butt, two cops from the Nalasopara police station and an unknown person. However, the Nalasopara police didn't take any action against the cops or Butt until now and these officers have also retired.

"There is a threat to my life and also my family. Butt is regularly threatening us. I want to see him in jail because he killed my brother. He should be in jail," Vishwanath further stated. According to Nagpur jail Superintendent Vaibhav Agey, Butt is still absconding and a case against him has been registered under IPC Section 224 for jumping parole. "Recently, we received information about his presence in Santacruz and Oshiwara. We informed the police stations concerned and Mumbai police (Zone IX). However, we have not received any update from the Mumbai police," Agey said.

mid-day contacted the advocate who petitioned for Butt's parole but he claimed to have no knowledge about his absconding. Speaking with mid-day High Court Legal Services Committee member and advocate, Shashikant Chaudhari said, "For the relief sought by the petitioner, he is provided legal aid from the HC legal services committee. Upon his request, I came to be appointed in February 2023. After obtaining the requisite documents the current petition was filed in court. It is supported by the appointment order issued by the High Court Legal Services Committee wherein it is categorically mentioned that the applicant is currently lodged at Nagpur jail."

Chaudhari added that the matter is yet to be listed for consideration before the court. "If the petitioner has not provided appropriate information about his present detention in Nagpur, then this shall be informed to the court at the time of the hearing."

May 6
Day accused was to report to jail

28
Days of parole granted to accused