India had sought extradition of underworld don Abu Salem’s ex-wife Samira Jumani from the US last year but the request was turned down apparently on the ground that there wasn’t sufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing on her part, sources here said today. However, it was not clear if a fresh request for her extradition has been made by New Delhi after Abu Salem was handed over to India by Portugal recently. Senior officials at the embassy of India did not offer any comment.Sources said last year India approached the US for Samira’s extradition citing charges including, conspiracy, cheating and forgery. Washington also provided details of a non-bailable warrant issued against her in 1999. the Interpol’s ‘‘red notice’’ that was issued mentions the offences she is wanted for as ‘‘criminal conspiracy, fraud and dishonestly induced delivery of property, forgery, using forged document as genuine.’’The US Justice department is understood to have asked New Delhi to furnish additional material to strengthen the case for Samira’s extradition. In the absence of additional evidence, Washington turned down New Delhi’s request and informed the government of India in April last, sources said.What is being pointed out is that extradition is a long drawn process even if there is a treaty between US and India and Samira’s alleged offences are clearly crimes in both countries. The problem becomes complicated if criminality is not directly involved and if extradition is sought on other grounds, say on matters of immigration.CBI probes `wedding’NEW DELHI: A day after Monica Bedi denied she was Abu Salem’s wife, CBI is trying to trace the Muslim cleric who, according to Salem, solemnised their marriage in the US.Where does the Maulvi (Cleric) stay? When was the marriage solemnised? Salem has been facing such questions. Salem is said to have told CBI sleuths that the marriage was solemnised in the US.Where is the ‘‘Nikahnama’’ (marriage certificate)? Salem was asked. He is believed to have said he possessed neither the original certificate nor a photocopy. —PTI
