Attack on Salem triggers concerns about Kasab

Underworld don Abu Salem was today severely injured in an attack by an estranged comrade and co-accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts inside the Arthur Road Jail, raising concerns about the safety of high-risk prisoners including 26/11 Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Underworld don Abu Salem was on Saturday severely injured in an attack by an estranged comrade and co-accused in the 1993 Mumbai blasts inside the Arthur Road Jail, raising concerns about the safety of high-risk prisoners including 26/11 Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

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"Salem was attacked by Mohammed Mustafa Dossa and his associate with a sharp spoon. Salem sustained injuries," Additional Police Commissioner Vineet Agrawal told PTI.

An FIR against Dossa and his accomplice was registered under section 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and further probe was on, he said.

According to police sources, the two had a heated argument over supremacy in the underworld during breakfast following which Dossa took out a sharp spoon and along with an aide attacked Salem, injuring him seriously.

Salem, who received injuries on his head, neck and shoulders was profusely bleeding when the cops reached the spot near barrack No.10 where Salem and Dossa are housed along with scores of other prisoners.

42-year-old Salem, a key accused in the 1993 serial bomb blasts, has been lodged in the South Mumbai jail since his extradition from Portugal in 2005. He is facing trial in nine cases, including two murders.

The attack on Salem has left the authorities worried as Kasab, awarded death penalty by the anti-terror court three months ago in the 26/11 case, is lodged in the same jail.

The issue had its echo in the Legislative Assembly where leader of the opposition Eknath Khadse demanded that the government give details of the incident and inform the House about steps taken for ensuring the safety of prisoners as Kasab was also housed there.