Abu Salem is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of many Indians, particularly those who lived through the tumultuous 1990s when he was at the peak of his criminal activities. Salem's notoriety is such that even his mere mention is enough to bring back memories of the horrific crimes he committed during his criminal career. In this blog, we will delve into the life and crimes of Abu Salem, examining his early years, the crimes he committed, his connections, and the infamous treaty that brought him back to India.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Abu Salem, whose real name is Abu Salem Abdul Qayoom Ansari, was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1968. Salem's family was not wealthy, and he had to drop out of school after the sixth grade due to financial difficulties. He then moved to Delhi, where he began working as a mechanic.
It was during his time in Delhi that Salem first got involved in criminal activities. He became associated with a gang involved in the smuggling of electronics and other goods, and before long, he had become a full-fledged criminal. Salem soon realized that there was more money to be made in the world of organized crime, and he began to expand his network.
The Rise of Abu Salem
Abu Salem's criminal career took off in the early 1990s when he began working with the infamous Dawood Ibrahim, a Mumbai-based gangster with connections to Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. Salem became one of Ibrahim's most trusted lieutenants, and he played a key role in several high-profile crimes, including the 1993 Mumbai bombings.
Salem was known for his ruthlessness and his willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done. He was also known for his ability to forge connections with influential people, both in India and abroad. It is believed that he had links with the Dubai mafia and was involved in several international crimes, including arms smuggling and drug trafficking.
The Crimes of Abu Salem
Abu Salem's criminal activities were many and varied, but some of the most heinous crimes he committed included extortion, murder, and terrorism. One of the most infamous crimes he was involved in was the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which claimed the lives of over 250 people and injured more than 700 others. Salem was one of the masterminds behind the attacks, which were carried out in retaliation for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
Salem was also involved in several other high-profile crimes, including the murder of music composer Gulshan Kumar in 1997 and the extortion of Bollywood film producers. He was known for his close ties to the film industry, which he used to his advantage, often extorting money from filmmakers by threatening to harm their actors or destroy their sets.
Abu Salem's Connections to Bollywood
Abu Salem had a notorious connection with Bollywood, India's film industry, which helped him carry out his criminal activities. He was known to have extorted money from film producers, actors, and directors, often by threatening them with violence or damaging their property. Salem was closely associated with the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, who also had links with the film industry.
Salem's most high-profile Bollywood-related crime was the murder of Gulshan Kumar, a music composer and film producer, in 1997. Kumar was shot dead outside a temple in Mumbai, and it was later revealed that Salem was the mastermind behind the killing. Kumar's murder was allegedly motivated by a dispute over music copyrights.
Salem was also involved in the extortion of several Bollywood film producers, including Subhash Ghai and Rakesh Roshan. He would often demand a cut of the profits from films, and if his demands were not met, he would resort to violence or destruction of property.
Salem's connection with Bollywood became even more apparent during his trial, when several film personalities were called as witnesses. This included actors like Sanjay Dutt, who was convicted for his role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings, and Aftab Shivdasani, who had received threatening calls from Salem.
The Treaty and Salem's Capture
In 2002, Abu Salem was arrested in Lisbon, Portugal, along with his then-girlfriend, Monica Bedi. The Indian government had been seeking Salem's extradition for several years, but the process was complicated by the fact that Salem had married a Portuguese national, making him eligible for citizenship.
It was only after the Indian government signed a treaty with Portugal that Salem's extradition was made possible. The treaty, signed in 2004, allowed for the exchange of prisoners between India and Portugal, paving the way for Salem's return to India to face trial.
Salem's trial lasted for several years, and he was eventually convicted of several crimes, including the murder of Gulshan Kumar. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2015.
Conclusion
Abu Salem's life and crimes have left a deep scar on India's history. His connection to Bollywood only added to his notoriety, and his ruthless tactics and willingness to use violence to achieve his goals made him one of India's most feared criminals. However, the Indian government's persistent efforts eventually led to his capture and conviction, proving that even the most notorious criminals are not above the law. Abu Salem's legacy serves as a warning to those who would seek to use their power and influence to commit crimes and harm others.
1 Comments
He was not charged for the murder of Gulshan Kumar
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