The CBI on Thursday said it had sufficient evidence to prosecute extradited gangster Abu Salem [Images], and it does not matter if he wants to be an approver.

Commenting on media reports the gangster was ready to turn an approver, CBI sources said "we have enough evidence against Salem (in the case). That was one of the reasons why Portugal agreed to extradite him."

    Court turns down Salem's plea   

The sources, however, clarified that if such a situation arises, the TADA court will be informed.

According to them, Salem's turning approver or getting pardon from the court was entirely within the purview of the concerned court and for that purpose he will first have to admit guilt in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case and cite information which he would like to part.

 Salem immaterial to Mumbai blasts

"At least till now, there has been no such communication from Salem in this regard. We don't know what he told his lawyers," CBI sources added.

A TV channel on Thursday quoted a defence lawyer as saying that Salem might consider turning an approver if CBI offered a 'good deal'. Rejecting these reports, CBI sources said the agency does not work on conditions.

 Salem extradition was keenly fought

The sources further said any such offer would amount to inducement and the court will not accept such evidence.     
Meanwhile, Salem's other lawyer O A Siddique denied Salem had made any conditional offer.     

"Our application that Salem has been falsely implicated in the blast case is pending. Therefore, there is no question of admission of guilt and expressing willingness to turn approver does not arise," Siddique said.

Complete Coverage: Abu Salem Extradited