Absconding 1993 blast case accused detained in US

Feroz Abdul Rashid Khan, 40, a key Mohammad Dossa aide and absconding accused in the March 12, 1993 serial blasts case, has been detained in the US on the basis of a Red Corner Notice issued by the Interpol. The US has now sought further evidence from India about Khan8217;s criminal background, especially his alleged involvement in the blasts.

According to the CBI, Khan is an associate of prime accused in the serial blasts case, Mohammed Dossa and Mustafa Dossa. He had participated in the landing of arms and ammunition used in the serial blasts at Dighi jetty in Raigad district in February 1993. He also helped in the transportation of this consignment from Dighi to Mumbai and negotiated payment of bribe to the cops for providing a safe passage to the consignment. Khan, who fled the country after the blasts and has reportedly taken US citizenship. The CBI, after learning about his presence in the US, had asked its counterparts, through the Interpol, to confirm his identity. The Red Corner Notice was issued against him a year after the blasts.

8220;It8217;s not yet confirmed whether the person the US authorities have detained is the same Feroz Abdul Rashid Khan,8221; said a CBI official who is part of the Special Investigation Team which probed the serial blasts. The CBI has since despatched Khan8217;s dossier, including his photographs, to US authorities to help verify his identity.

A decision on whether Khan should be detained and sent back to India will be taken on the basis of evidence provided by New Delhi, a CBI spokesman said.

Incidentally, only last month, special judge PD Kode of the designated TADA court had finished delivering verdicts on 123 accused in the case, of which 100 were pronounced guilty. The trial of Dossa is yet to begin. 8220;If extradited, Khan8217;s trial will be separated,8221; said special public prosecutor, Ujwal Nikam. The trial of Mustafa Dossa and Abu Salem has been separated.