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CBI to probe issue of passport to Dawood's mother

The Central Bureau of Investigation would investigate cases relating to the issue of a passport to the mother of Dawood Ibrahim and the alleged fraudulent possession of a helicopter by Romesh Sharma, reportedly a front man of Dawood, bureau director Trinath Mishra has said.

The CBI had been entrusted with the passport case since it was already handling the Bombay bomb blasts case, Mishra told reporters after taking the salute at the passing out parade of sub-inspectors at the CBI academy in Ghaziabad.

Dawood's mother had secured a passport a few months after the Bombay blasts, which were allegedly masterminded by the Dubai-based don. She made use of the passport to flee the country.

Dr Mishra said the CBI would also monitor all the cases against Romesh Sharma through the Inter-Departmental Group headed by bureau Joint Director R N Kaul.

Besides the CBI, the IDG comprises representatives from Delhi police and the departments of customs, income tax, passports and banks.

The IDG would meet on November 2 to discuss the cases and the decisions taken at the meeting would be binding on all the agencies handling the cases, the CBI director said.

He denied suggestions that the raids on the premises of Romesh Sharma were delayed, stating that the step was taken immediately after collection of all relevant details.

Romesh Sharma was arrested last week by the Delhi police on a complaint by a Bombay-based businessman who alleged that Sharma had deprived him of his helicopter through illegal means. In all, 14 cases have since been filed against Sharma.

Dr Mishra said the investigating agencies would not spare anyone found to be colluding with Romesh Sharma and that his alleged political connections would not impede the progress in the cases.

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