"I was arrested because Dawood is my brother"
By Neil Joshi / Mumbai

AS Maharashtra control of Crime A Judge Mridulla Bhatkar acquitted Dawood Ibrahim's brother Iqbal Kaskar of all charges in the Sara-Sahara case, there were signs of relief on the face of Kaskar.
It was the final time he exited the courtroom in this trial, while well-wishers of Kaskar waiting patiently all throught the tense final moments came rushing towards him, exchanged pleasantries and distributed sweets in the once deserted corridor of the fifth floor of the Session's court building in Kala Ghoda.

In an exclusive interview, Iqbal Kaskar talks about his plans for the future.

Q: The court has acquitted you and others. What are your immediate plans and how are you planning to celebrate?

A- I am really happy and I pray to Allah for granting me justice. This proves that I have done nothing wrong. While I'm celebrating, I feel sad for the others who have been convicted. I just want to go home. I haven't visited my residence in Nagpada since 1989, I want to go there and stay. I want to take rest for fifteen days probably and then I may take a decision on my future.

Q: Why do you say that the Indian government hasn't deported you from Dubai? A- I came on my own. I wanted to stay in Mumbai. This is my home. As far as I know India does not have an extradition treaty with UAE. February 20, 2003 was the day I reached India and that was the day they arrested me. It was just done because Dawood Ibrahim is my brother.

Q: Do you think that coming to India was a right decision?
A- Dubai me saara aish-o-aaram tha, magar Mumbai mera ghar hai. Jo apnapan yaha hai woh waha nahi milta. (There were all amenities in Dubai but Mumbai is my real home. I didn't get the sense of belonging in Dubai.)

Q: What have you planned for the future?
A- Mein social service karna chhata hoon. (I want to enter social service). As of now I want to be with my family and meet my sister Haseena (Parkar). My family members used to come and meet me in court now I can see them at home. I also need to look after my health and take care of the allergies I have. I may think of starting a shop here itself.

While it is rumoured that the 'Man' may stand for elections from the Nagpada constitutency in the forthcoming Assembly elections in 2009, he let his mind speak for once after being freed and felt sorry for the who wanted him guilty and behind bars. "Insaaf karnewale woh (police) thodi, inka kaam hain fasana aur court ka kaam insaaf dena."