Court issues warrant against gangster Salem in extortion case

A Delhi court on Thursday issued production warrant against underworld don Abu Salem after the police failed to produce him in a case lodged in 2005 for allegedly making call to a Delhi-based businessman demanding Rs five crore as protection money.

A Delhi court on Thursday issued production warrant against underworld don Abu Salem after the police failed to produce him in a case lodged in 2005 for allegedly making call to a Delhi-based businessman demanding Rs 5 crore as protection money.

HT Image

"Issue production warrant against Abu Salem for September 24," Additional Sessions Judge Pinki said.

The court, which was to hear arguments on framing of charges, had to adjourn the proceedings after it was submitted that Salem could not be brought to New Delhi from Jaipur where he has gone to attend some other case.

Earlier, it had dismissed the plea by the police seeking withdrawal of stringent charges under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA) against Salem on the ground that it was against the extradition terms agreed to between India and Portuguese authorities.

The court said mere omission of MCOCA in the extradition terms did not make any difference as Portugal knew that Salem's extradition was sought because of his involvement in organised crimes as well.