Monday, November 14 2005 17:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The CBI will oppose at all levels the extradited underworld don Abu Salem's counsel's plea that he be allowed to remain present at an 'audible distance' during the gangster's interrogation, CBI sources said today (Nov 14, 2005).

The response came to the application moved by Salem's counsel, O A Siddiqui in front of the TADA court today.

As per law, a counsel can be allowed to remain present, but only beyond audible limit, CBI sources said adding that while the agency was bound to follow directions of the court on this issue, it would take up this issue at the highest level.

"How can we question the accused in front of his counsel?" a CBI official said, adding that a possibility cannot be ruled out the counsel might leak sensitive details that might come out during the interrogation.

According to CBI sources, the crime for which Salem was being questioned was a unique and serious crime and allowing a counsel to remain present at an 'audible distance' was something not acceptable.

"Yet, we will accept the court's directives", CBI sources further said.

Salem, after extradition has been sent to CBI custody by the TADA court to allow the agency to probe his alleged role in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blast case.

Salem being the first big gangster and a prime accused in the blast case to be extradited, the CBI is hopeful of churning out useful information and evidences through his interrogation.