Samira Jumani, the divorced wife of extradited gangster Abu Salem, could be privy to many secrets about the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts accused, but she is hiding somewhere in the US, Central Bureau of Investigation sources said Wednesday.
Samira, whom Salem married in early 90s, after facing an abduction case filed by her parents, had escaped to Dubai with Salem after the serial bomb blasts in 1993, sources said.
She was booked in 1997 for procuring a forged passport from Lucknow in the name of Sabina Azmi in July 1993, when Salem also procured a forged passport from Lucknow in the name of Akil Ahmed Azmi, sources added.
The couple has an 8-year-old son from their marriage who stays with his mother. Salem has claimed that he divorced Samira after his affair and subsequent marriage with starlet Monica Bedi in late 90s.
CBI sources said that more than Monica, it was Samira who holds keys to several intricate details about Salem and his involvement in blasts, his extortion business and other interests.
Complete coverage: Abu Salem extradited
Salem is alleged to have made investments in real estate in Samira's name, sources said, adding that although a red corner notice has been issued against her in the passport forgery case, trial of which is on, there is no information about her.
"However, there is no evidence yet that can point at her involvement in the serial bomb blasts," sources added.
Meanwhile, the interrogation of Salem, was progressing satisfactorily, and expectations of furthering the probe into the blasts were being met, CBI sources said. Salem was cooperating with the CBI. The questioning which usually spans 10 to 12 hours a day was gruelling for both Salem as well as the interrogators, the sources said.
Terming Salem as "talkative and jovial", they said that the gangster has not exercised his right to silence during the
interrogation so far.
"He is free to exercise this right, but has not done so far. He gives answers after giving a thought to the
questions," CBI sources said.
Asked if Salem would record a confessional statement, the sources said his lawyer have said he does not wish to give one. "In case he wants to give one, he will be told that this could be used as evidence against him," they said.
CBI sources said Salem was being treated "humanely" and in no way was he being forced to answer questions. "Even Monica wants to be in the CBI custody; that is testimony to the way CBI works," they said.
Security has been stepped up for the extradited gangster following inputs that he could face danger from rival gangs.
The CBI Special Task Force office opposite Mantralaya in south Mumbai witnessed hightened security measures with the increase in the strength of securitymen from the Mumbai police posted around the bungalow.