Farooq Takla was brought to India early Thursday morning by the CBI.

In a big shot in the arm for the investigating agencies here, an aide of underworld don and 1993 Mumbai serial blasts prime accused Dawood Ibrahim has been brought back to India today. Judge G A Sanap of special TADA court has sent him to CBI custody till 19th March.

Farooq Takla was deported from Dubai and brought to Mumbai in Air India flight AI 996 this morning.

Ujjwal Nikam, the prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, called Takla's deportation a "huge success". "He [Takla] was involved in 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts the links of which can be traced back to Dubai. This is a big blow to the D-Gang," Nikkam said.

Takla, against whom a red corner notice was issued in 1995, fled the country soon after 13 blasts rocked Mumbai in 1993.

Agencies believe that Takla frequently travelled between Dubai and Karachi. He was also in touch with Pakistani intelligence agency ISI

According to investigative agencies, the Dawood aide was providing logistical support to gang members arriving in Pakistan for meetings.

He developed deep contacts in the UAE and started providing similar logistical support in the emirate as well for the gang members on the instructions of Dawood.

He is believed to be in the know about various illegal businesses of Dawood Ibrahim.

1993 MUMBAI BLASTS

Read: 1993 Mumbai blasts' 23rd anniversary: Timeline of 13 serial blasts which shook Mumbai

The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts were one of the most destructive blasts in the India. There were 13 serial blasts in which bombs were planted in public buildings, airport, scooters, cars, hotels etc. The blasts killed 257 people and left 713 injured and destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore.

Watch: D-Company response to India Today's Dawood tapes: Have you forgotten 1993 Mumbai blasts?



