New Delhi: The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) on February 4 approached the Interpol office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to verify the detention of at least five of Dawood Ibrahim's associates even as reports indicated that Dubai authorities had asked the gangsters to leave the port city immediately.

The CBI, based on news reports, asked the Interpol Abu Dhabi to verify them, and in case of their being true, deport the gangsters to India as they were wanted in several cases including the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai.

In its request, the CBI said that it was learnt here through media reports that some of the underworld gangsters including Mohammed Dossa, Ejaj Pathan and Mustafa Majun and Salim Talwar, all accused in the Mumbai Bomb blasts have been detained in Dubai.

"In case of any substance in these reports, the same may be deported here as they have already a pending Red Corner notice against them," the CBI request said and added that "or they should continue to be put under detention till an extradition request could be forwarded to that country (UAE)."

The sources said the agency was first alerted by an Indian diplomat based in Dubai about the detention of the aides of Dawood Ibrahim.

At least five close aides of Pakistan-based underworld don Ibrahim including his brother Noora were reportedly detained by authorities in Dubai.

However, reports suggested that the Dubai authorities had asked the detained persons, who were holding Pakistani passports, to leave the country immediately, informed sources said.

PTI