Centre asks states for evidence against Salem

NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Centre is asking various state governments to come up with the cases along with "documentary evidence" against mafia-don Abu Salem to help in preparing an extradition case against him in a Court of Law in Portugal.
"We are going to hold consultations with various state governments with whom different crime cases are pending against Abu Salem to firm up a case for his early extradition from that country," official sources said.
Once all the cases along with documentary evidence were before the government, these will help it in firming up an extradition case against Abu Salem.
The Centre will also ask the Portuguese government to initiate judicial proceedings for the same.
Asked if there was any specific information sought from the state governments which included Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, they only said that the case along with evidence should be "acceptable" and can "stand scrutiny in a Portugese Court".
Stating that the government and its agencies were collecting information keeping in mind the 90-day deadline, the sources said the Centre was hopeful of Abu Salem''s extradition.
"Various Central investigation and intelligence agencies are co-ordinating among themselves and are collecting information and evidence against Abu Salem, progress of which is reviewed every week," the sources said.
"Things are not very simple. Lot of evidence which can stand in that country''s Court of Law and a firm case has to be prepared for an early extradition of Abu Salem," the sources said.
However, the sources said the CBI has concrete evidence which will enable the government with the help of the documents from other states to extradite Abu Salem.
One of India''s most wanted criminals, underworld don Abu Salem was arrested along with his companion Monica Bedi by the Interpol in Portugal last month, nine years after he fled to Karachi in the wake of Mumbai blasts.
Abu Salem along with Bedi and another person Haider are in judicial custody in Portugal for 90 days since September 20.
A note verbale to Portuguese government seeking deportation of Abu Salem, immediately after his arrest, was sent by India followed by discussions between CBI and authorities in Lisbon.