India has initiated extradition proceedings in the United Arab Emirates against Taher Taklya, an alleged close associate of Tiger Memon and prime accused in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, a Central Bureau of Investigation official said on Tuesday.

"The proceedings have been initiated and we are following up the matter with the UAE authorities," CBI official O P Chatwal said in Mumbai.

About 25 absconding accused in the blasts were arrested by CBI, which probed the case. However, 37 others continued to evade arrest, he said.

Altogether 257 people were killed and 713 injured in the bomb explosions, which rocked the commercial capital on March 12, 1993.

Chatwal said the absconders include underworld don Dawood Ibrahim [Images]. They have been declared proclaimed offenders and red corner notices issued against them, he said.      

The Interpol, the international police agency, has also been alerted to apprehend the absconding accused and cash awards have been announced for providing information leading to their arrest. The rate of conviction in cases probed by the CBI, which is below 70 per cent usually, has gone above 80 per cent in the Mumbai blasts case, Chatwal said.