Abu Salem gang sharpshooter held in Delhi

A sharpshooter of the Abu Salem criminal gang, who was on the run for the past few years, was arrested from South Delhi area of Mehrauli, police said on Thursday.

A sharpshooter of the Abu Salem criminal gang, who was on the run for the past few years, was arrested from Mehrauli area of south Delhi, police said on Thursday.

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Mohammad Akram Siddiqui was wanted in several criminal activities including attempt to murder and extortion in Mumbai, a senior police official told IANS.

"He was on the run after being declared a proclaimed offender by a Mumbai court. He used to handle operations in India when Abu Salem was abroad," a police officer said.

During investigation, it was revealed that the accused used to live with one Sanjay in Naini in Allahabad. "Sanjay used to get directions from Salem who used to extort money from builders, film fraternity and jewelers," the police officer said.

Siddiqui was wanted for attempting to kill a jeweller named Subhah Babu Lal Soni in 2000. Soni was shot at his residence in Mumbai by Siddiqui and his three associates Sanjay, Sarfaraz and Mohammad Shagan. A case of attempt to murder and extortion was registered against them at the Colaba police station in Mumbai, the official said.

All the accused were arrested by the Mumbai police but Siddiqui managed to get bail. Thereafter, he shifted to Delhi with a fake identity and started residing in Mehrauli.