Choksi is the 10th person to be arrested after Farooq Munshi was gunned down 10 days ago. While five of those arrested have been released on bail, another five, including Choksi, have been sent to judicial custody.

Although Choksi was `picked up' for interrogation the same day Munshi was killed as the slain gangster was caught from jewellery showroom Choksi was officially arrested on Thursday afternoon.

According to Special Branch ACP M B Pethani, Choksi had confessed that he had come in contact with Munshi about two years ago in a mosque. Since then, Munshi occasionally came to his showroom located at Pirchhadi Road as well as his house in Parsiwaad, Ranitalaav, and pressurised him to give money. Munshi also took Rs 1500 from him on one occasion, Choksi added.

Choksi also confessed to the police that Munshi told him that he had murdered Baalak, Naresh Nikam and Devla during the riots that rocked the city after the Babri Masjid demolitions. Munshi had told him that he took suparis for collecting money from builders and mill owners, Choksi confessed.

Choksi further told the police that about a month ago, Munshi had come to his showroom along with the wife of Hussain Ghadiyali, a railway station bomb case accused and spent the night there. He threatened him not to disclose this to anyone.

According to Choksi's confession, Munshi had told him on a number of occasions that he intended to kill all Hindu political leaders and those Muslim leaders, who informed the police of his activities, but said that he did not have adequate money to do so.

Choksi also confirmed to the police that Munshi along with one Saiffudin Saiyyed had come to his showroom on March 16 night and demanded to sleep there.