A report in the Times of India claimed that Pakistani authorities confirmed that he was their national and the formalities for his return is being worked out.
The India media reports said Mahmood was arrested in 2004 for allegedly taking pictures of key places. The Pakistani national was sentenced under the Foreigners Act and section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code after being charged on two counts.
He is currently serving jail sentence at Central Prison Warangal. Prison sources stated that he is highly optimistic on leaving India.
His 14-year jail sentence ended on August 16, 2016. He was released and once again lodged in the jail when Indian authorities took up formalities for returning him to Pakistan. Jail authorities had also written to Pakistan High Commissioner in India regarding the Pakistani national.
He cannot be released till the procedures for his release are complete.
Mahmood is being provided newspapers. However, he is not allowed to interact with his fellow inmates.
