Abu Salem may flee to Pakistan, Interpol told

Salem’s escape plans appear to be motivated by the extradition treaty to be signed between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 15, 1997.As most of the A’ grade criminals like underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, his brothers Anees, Noora, Iqbal, Mushtaqueen and Chhota Shakeel have already fled to Pakistan, Salem could be among the first criminals whose deportation could be sought by the Indian Government under the treaty.

According to a senior police officer, Salem has handed over his King of Cars’ showroom which sells imported cars, to his brothers Salim and Nayeem, while his other business dealings would be looked after by his cousin Ansari.The police said Salem was arrested in connection with a Mercedes Benz deal. He was later released on bail with the help of an Arab national, Baba Arbi, who procured a passport for him. Salem’s passport has been impounded by the Dubai police.

Salem reportedly has a soft corner for music director Nadeem, another accused in the Gulshan murder case. The gangster is said to have on his hit-list the names of senior police officers involved with the investigation.Salem, who hails from a village in Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh, is wanted for his role in the March 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai, the murders of BJP leaders Ramdas Nayak, Premkumar Sharma, and various other cases including the Gulshan Kumar murder case.

The Mumbai police is also seeking the extradition of Dawood man Sharad Shetty, who was recently arrested by the Dubai police, and sharp-shooter Mach Mach, who has reportedly applied for residency in the UAE.