Monday, November 21 2005 11:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: India had sought extradition of underworld don Abu Salem's ex-wife Samira Jumani from the US last year but the request was turned down apparently on the grounds that there wasn't sufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing on her part, sources here said today.

However, it was not clear if a fresh request for her extradition has been made by New Delhi after gangster and one of the main accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts Abu Salem was handed over to India by Portugal recently. Senior officials at the Embassy of India would not offer any comment on the issue.

Sources said last year India approached the US for Samira's extradition citing a number of charges including, conspiracy, cheating and forgery. Washington also provided details of a non-bailable warrant issued against her in 1999.

The Interpol's "red notice" that was issued mentions the offenses she is wanted for as "Criminal conspiracy, fraud and dishonestly induced delivery of property, forgery, used forged document as genuine."

The US Justice Department is understood to have asked New Delhi to furnish additional material to strengthen the case for Samira's extradition. In the absence of additional evidence of wrongdoing or criminal activity, Washington turned down New Delhi's request and informed the Government of India this April, sources said.

What is being pointed out is that extradition is a long drawn process even if there is a bilateral treaty between the US and India and Samira's alleged offences are clearly crimes in both countries. The problem becomes more complicated if criminality is not directly involved and if the extradition is sought on other grounds, say on matters of immigration.