India, Feb. 6 -- The Bombay High Court on Thursday rejected a petition filed by gangster Abu Salem, a convict in the March 1993 Mumbai serial bombings case, seeking a 14-day emergency parole to attend the 40-day prayer ceremony following his brother's death in November last year.

A division bench of Justices A.S. Gadkari and Shyam Chandak dismissed the plea after Salem informed the court that he was unable to bear the cost of a police escort, estimated at Rs.17.60 lakh. Salem had sought a modification of the authorities' order to allow parole without police escort, citing his financial constraints.

During the hearing on Thursday, highlighting the apprehension of the authorities that Salem will abscond if granted parole without an escort...