Warrants against Salem aides

MUMBAI: The TADA Court on Wednesday issued non-bailable warrants (NBW) against Abdul Qayyum and Aziz Bilakhiya, both absconding accused in the 1993 serial blasts case. The NBWs will enable the CBI to declare the duo as ‘proclaimed offenders’, attach their properties and seek their arrest in foreign countries.

 

The CBI had made an application to the TADA court to issue NBWs against Qayyum and Bilakhiya, both of whom are alleged to be close associates of gangster Abu Salem. After his deportation from Portugal in November 2005, Salem had named Qayyum and Bilakhiya, along with Riyaz Siddiqui. Siddiqui was arrested but the other two fled. Salem’s confession describes the role played by Qayyum and Bilakhiya in arms distribution in furtherance to the 1993 blasts conspiracy.

 

About 37 accused, including Dawood Ibrahim, his brother Anees, Tiger Memon and Mohammed Dossa are listed as absconding accused in the 93 blasts chargesheet. Extradition proceedings have been initiated with the UAE government against Tahir Taklya, another accused in the 1993 blasts case.