A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai has denied temporary bail to Mustafa Sayed, an accused in the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case, who sought release to attend his mother’s post-death rituals. The court emphasized national security concerns, stating that if the accused is emotional about his mother’s demise, he should be equally emotional about the motherland.

Mustafa Sayed, also known as Munna Mustafa, has been incarcerated for over 18 years since his arrest in 2007. He initially turned approver in the case but later became hostile, leading to a separate trial that remains incomplete. The court noted that his behavioral attitude disqualifies him from being considered for temporary bail, even on humanitarian grounds.

In the 2006 incident, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad seized 43 kg of RDX, 50 hand grenades, 16 AK-47 rifles, and over 3,000 live bullets from two cars on the Chandaud-Manmad Highway in Aurangabad.

The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on prioritizing national interest and security over individual personal circumstances, especially in cases involving serious charges such as arms hauls.

Sources