The CBI on Thursday said it will not allow extradited gangster Abu Salem's [Images] lawyers to remain present during interrogation even if they seek agency's approval.

A special TADA court had earlier in the day left it to the CBI to decide whether it wishes to allow defence lawyers to remain present during the interrogation. The TADA court had earlier rejected the defence plea on this issue.

 Court turns down Salem's plea

Reacting to the court's decision, CBI sources said they would not allow defence lawyers during interrogation at any cost.

"The only purpose (of the defence) to remain present is know what Salem discloses in the interrogation," CBI sources told PTI in Mumbai.

According to them, any such permission would hamper the ongoing probe and cripple the agency's efforts to collect evidence in the case against Salem.

 Salem immaterial to Mumbai blasts

"What if some one from the defence leaks sensitive information outside," CBI sources asked.     

Commenting on the Orissa case cited by defence lawyers in the TADA court, CBI sources said the case was of 1979 when terrorism was not in existence.

Meanwhile, CBI sources said they might take help of other police agencies in deciphering information coming out of Salem's interrogation.

"We cannot keep our eyes shut," CBI sources said, adding that any such information will be taken up with the concerned agency.

Complete Coverage: Abu Salem Extradited