Scindia informed Mohan Rawale and others during the question hour time that the approval had been accorded by the Cabinet at its meeting held here yesterday. She also informed the House that the treaty had already been signed by the two sides last year. Replying to a query by E Ahamad, Scindia said, the understanding was that mafia dons Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger Memon, wanted in connection with the Mumbai bomb blasts case, did not actually reside in Dubai though they may be visiting Dubai.

The minister explained that the government was trying its best to bring back the fugitives and criminals from the UAE but had not succeeded so far because of legal hurdles. She expressed hope that following the signing of the extradition treaty these legal hurdles would be removed.

The ministersaid, the extradition treaty with the UAE was expected to be formally signed upon completion of necessary formalities by both the countries. According to available information, more than 30 alleged Indian criminals are residing in the UAE.