Initially, he set up a mechanic shop in his home town followed by driving a taxi in Delhi and eventually moving to Mumbai.

He stayed in Jogeshwari area where he spent 20 years of his life. At an early age of 18, Salem committed his first crime. Being involved in riots, Salem was accused of killing one man.

In 1985, Salem became a part of the underworld and began smuggling gold. It was in 1993 that Salem's notorious activities reached its pinnacle when his involvement in Mumbai bomb blast was established.