New Delhi: A court here Saturday issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) asking why underworld don Abu Salem was extradited - instead of being deported - from Portugal in 2005 to face trial in several criminal cases including the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

Additional Sessions Judge Ravinder Kaur asked the CBI to reply by Aug 6.

The order came after Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikas Singh, appearing on behalf of Delhi Police, submitted before the court that it was a not case of deportation as the accused was caught in Portugal for using forged travel documents.

The ASG, who had sought dropping of charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Salem, had responded to a court query as to why the central government went for his extradition instead of deportation, thus putting restrictions on the number of cases on which he could be tried and the quantum of sentence that could be awarded.

The extradition of Salem was conditional and came with restrictions on the number of cases for which he could be tried and on the quantum of sentence he could be awarded.

Salem is facing MCOCA charges in connection with an extortion call made to city-based businessman Ashok Gupta in 2002, demanding Rs.50 million as protection money.

 

Source : IANS