Attack on Abu Salem may affect other extradition treaties: BJP

MUMBAI: BJP today said that attack on 1993 serial blasts accused Abu Salem in a Navi Mumbai jail last month could have a negative bearing on the extradition of wanted criminals from at least 50 countries.

"Due to attack on Abu Salem in Taloja jail by another inmate, there has been the violation of extradition treaty with Portugal from where the gangster was extradited," Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Vinod Tawde said.

Salem was allegedly shot at by gangster Devendra Jagtap alias JD, an accused in the murder of advocate Shahid Azmi who had represented 26/11 Mumbai attack accused, in Taloja Central Jail on June 27. Salem was hit in his hand by one of the two rounds fired by JD.

"The attack on Salem may affect the extradition treaties that India has with another 50 countries. It will be difficult for India to extradite wanted accused from these countries," Tawde said during the discussion on supplementary demands in the Upper House.