Local court issues production warrant against Salem

New Delhi, Jul 5 (UNI) A city court today issued fresh production warrant against underworld don Abu Salem in connection with a six-year-old extortion case.

Additional Sessions Judge Ravinder Kaur issued the warrant against Salem, who is lodged in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail as an accused in the 1993 blast cases in the city, to produce him before the court on August 6 -- the next date of hearing.

Salem, who was extradited to India in 2005, is facing Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) charges in connection with an extortion call made to Delhi businessman Ashok Gupta in 2002.

The Delhi Police has booked him for demanding Rs 50 crore from Mr Gupta.

Salem is accused of masterminding the 1993 terror blasts in Mumbai and is facing trial in six other cases.

The court on August 6 would also hear the application of the Delhi Police and the Centre seeking to drop MCOCA charges against the don on the ground that it was violation of the terms of the extradition treaty between India and Portugal.

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