The Mumbai police have arrested Feroze Abdul Rashid Khan alias Hamza, wanted in the 1993 serial bomb blasts trial. He was arrested on Friday night from a village in Navi Mumbai, and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is investigating the case, Joint Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria told a press conference here on Saturday.
Mr. Maria reportedly said that Feroze had arrived here from Sultanate of Oman on February 3 and the police got a tip off that he was staying in Navi Mumbai.
Feroze is alleged to be a close aide of absconding accused Mohammed Dossa and involved in transporting and distribution of arms and ammunition. Mr. Maria said on Dawood Ibrahim’s directions, Dossa and his men had arranged for the landing of arms, allegedly used in the blast, at Dighy in Raigad district in 1993. They were then transported to other accused.
Feroze had met Dawood in Dubai and even attended the wedding of the don’s brother. After the 1993 blasts, he fled to Nepal using a fake name and passport. He then went to Dubai to work with Mohammed Dossa.
Feroze, son of a retired Navy officer, had come to India for the first time in 2004 under an assumed name and had returned to Dubai. The police said Feroze’s was an important arrest.
Feroze has been remanded to CBI custody till February 15.
