Mumbai, Apr 22: The trial of extradited gangster Abu Salem in the 1993 serial blasts case will continue here today.

On April 16, the court had deferred the trial as the prosecution failed to produce the first witness in connection with the case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that an immigration officer, who was on duty in India when Salem was brought to Mumbai in 2005 after being deported from Lisbon, was out of town and cannot depose before the court.

Designated TADA Judge P D Kode began the proceeding of separate trials at Arthur Road Jail on April 16.

The charges against Salem include under Sections 3(3) of TADA, 120 (b) of IPC and Sections of the Arms Act and Explosives Substances Act.

Salem is accused of having supplied arms to other accused in the case and participating in the conspiracy to carry out the blasts.

Over 257 persons were killed and over 700 injured in the 13 serial blasts carried out across the city on March 12, 1993. (ANI)