Kolkata: British arms-dealer Peter Bleach, serving a life sentence here for his involvement in the 1995 Purulia arms drop case, is expected to be released later today (Feb 4, 2004) following Presidential pardon.

The formalities for releasing Bleach has almost been completed following the withdrawal of a couple of minor cases against him by the West Bengal Government and his release may take place any time during the day, a source at the high-security Alipur Central Jail said.

An application was moved before the court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate this morning by the State Government for withdrawal of a case regarding a brawl inside the jail in which Bleach was involved and the necessary order has been passed, the sources said.

The President remitted the remainder of the sentence of Bleach and the order was received by the State Government here on Jan 30 but due to legal formalities his release was delayed, prompting him to start a hunger strike inside the jail in protest.