45-year-old Mijanaur Rehman, wanted in the abduction of Khadim shoe company owner Burman in 2001, was arrested during a raid from the port area late last night, Joint Commissioner of Police (STF) Rajeev Mishra said.
Rehman is an associate of Amir Reza Khan, the founder of the Indian Mujahideen, and had been hiding in Bangladesh for about 12 years, he said.
He is believed to have sneaked into Kolkata in recent time, Mishra said, adding that some suspicious objects and pamphlets were recovered from his possession.
Rehman, once linked with Aftab Ansari, a lifer in the American Center attack on January two, 2002, was a known carrier of explosives and forged currencies for the militant outfit, police said.
He was also suspected to be the mastermind behind the serial blasts in Varanasi some years ago.
Rehman was produced in court today and remanded to police custody till January three.