Extradited gangster Abu Salem [Images], who was on Saturday taken to J J Hospital for a routine check up, has denied that there was any threat to his life.

The state government and the Central Bureau of Investigation have stated that Salem's life was in danger and thus he should not be brought out of the Arthur Road jail premises.

Salem was taken to the hospital after he complained of severe backache two days ago.

He told the media outside the hospital that there is no threat to his life and restraining him inside the jail was just the CBI's manner to delay his trial and court proceedings.

Earlier, the state government had restrained Salem's movements outside the Arthur Road prison following threats to his life.

However, last week, Salem filed an application before the special TADA court, seeking permission to be sent to the J J Hospital for his backache treatment.

Special TADA Judge P D Kode permitted Salem to be taken to the hospital on Friday.

Salem, who was extradited from Portugal, has been accused of supplying arms and ammunitions to the other accused in the 1993 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai.