Abu Salem's conviction a blow to underworld overseas: Sunil Deshmukh

Gangster Abu Salem's conviction in builder Pradeep Jain's murder case is likely to deliver a severe jolt to other members of the underworld, said assistant commissioner of police Sunil Deshmukh, who is the investigating officer in the murder case. Deshmukh spoke with dna about the difficulties that the probe threw up.

What is your reaction to Salem's conviction?
This is the first time that a gangster who had conspired from abroad to commit a murder in India has been convicted. It is a great achievement for Mumbai police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). He was arrested after 10 years and has been convicted after 20 years of the murder. Pradeep Jain was murdered in 1995 outside his Juhu residence. We will ask for maximum conviction for Salem as per the extradition treaty.

How difficult was it for the police to investigate the case and get a conviction?
Since the case is very old, it was difficult for us to trace reliable witnesses who could depose in court. We gave protection to certain witnesses to give them confidence that the police is with them. They are still under police protection.

What motivated the murder?
Jain's Kamla Constructions owned a plot in Kol Dongri in Andheri (East), and Dawood Ibrahim's brother Anees Ibrahim wanted that the builder should give away the plot to his men. He asked Abu Salem to work on it. Salem used to call up Jain's family for the same. One day Jain abused Salem on the phone, and therefore, he eliminated Jain for revenge. Anees is also wanted in this case.

How much impact do you think this conviction will have on underworld activities?
This conviction will deal a big blow to the criminals sitting abroad and thinking that nothing will happen to them, or that they will spend some years in jail and eventually be set free. Though the underworld still has a presence in the city, their activities have become ineffective because of the control effected by the police machinery and a good conviction rate.