Abu Bakar, 1993 Mumbai blasts accused, held in UAE; likely to be extradited to India soon

New Delhi, Feb 05: In a major crackdown, India's one of most wanted terrorists, Abu Bakar, who is prime accused of 1993 Mumbai serial blast accused has been held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Indian security agencies a report by India Today claimed on Friday. Abu Bakar is Dawood Ibrahim's close aide.

One of the prime conspirators of the 1993 Mumbai blasts, Abu Bakar, whose full name is Abu Bakar Abdul Gafur Shaikh, had been residing in UAE and Pakistan. In 1997, a 'Red Corner Notice' was issued against him.

India Today, quoting sources reported that Indian agencies are in process of extraditing Abu Bakar to the country to face the law.

The report quoted sources in the central government as saying that the terrorist, who has been on India's most-wanted list for nearly 29 years, would finally face the law once he is brought back from UAE.

A series of 12 terrorist blasts at different places had rocked Mumbai on 12 March 1993 resulting in 257 fatalities and over 700 injuries.

The apprehended terrorist was involved in arms and explosives training in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, landing of RDX used in the serial blasts, and conspiracy and planning at Dawood Ibrahim's residence in Dubai. Bakar was also involved in the smuggling of gold, clothing and electronics from Gulf countries to Mumbai with Mohammad and Mustafa Dossa - key lieutenants of Dawood Ibrahim.

Abu Bakar has several business interests in Dubai and has married an Iranian national who is his second wife. Once apprehended in 2019, Abu Bakar had, however, managed to evade arrest by the UAE authorities due to some documentation issues.