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3 suspected Chotta Rajan aides held for Azmi murder

Last updated on: February 16, 2010 18:47 IST

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the sensational murder case of 31-year-old top lawyer Shahid Azmi in Mumbai, the police said.

Azmi, who represented several TADA accused and those in the 7/11 serial train blasts in Mumbai, was shot dead at his office in suburban Kurla last week.

According to the police, three gangsters -- allegedly owing allegiance to underworld don Chotta Rajan -- were arrested on Tuesday from the suburban Dombilvili.

The murder, the police say, was part of the underworld strategy to bump off lawyers, who defend terrorists in various terror-related cases.

Officials said that Azmi was already facing threat from the Chotta Rajan gang becauseĀ he has been taking up a number of cases in the 27/11 case.

Azmi (31) was also the lawyer for Fahim Ansari, accused of helping the Lashkar-e-Tayiba in theĀ 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.

N Ganesh in Mumbai