MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 18 ABU Salem wants to turn approver, said his lawyer on Friday. ‘‘Yes,’’ confirmed Ashok Sarogi, who is representing the underworld don, told Express.

Sarogi said he has made the offer to the CBI, which has had custody of Salem since his extradition from Portugal on November 11. The investigating agency is yet to respond.

Sarogi met CBI officials in New Delhi today and returned in the evening. By then CBI Director U S Misra had also reached Mumbai. Misra, it’s learnt, has come to get a first-hand account of the progress his officers have made.

Sarogi said that if the CBI accepts Salem’s request, he will move the court. And if the court agrees to making Salem an approver, chances are that the gangster won’t be prosecuted. Or, even if he is prosecuted and convicted, he will get a lighter sentence.

What may make it possible for Salem to turn approver is the scope of the case. Investigators hope Salem will reveal names and information that he wouldn’t otherwise. Salem’s lawyers also confirmed that his mother and brother Abu Lais had reached Mumbai today. But they hadn’t contacted any of the lawyers.