Headley can be made to testify before Indian officials: Chidambaram
By ANIFriday, March 19, 2010
NEW DELHI - Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday claimed that there is a good chance that alleged Lashkar operative David Coleman Headley could be made to testify in judicial proceedings where Indian officials are involved.
“There is a good chance that he will testify in judicial proceedings where Indian investigators will have a right to question him,” Chidambaram said.
Addressing the media, Chidambaram said Thursday’s development in the Headley case is not a setback.
“It is not a setback. We have not yet charged Headley. We will charge Headley at an appropriate time,” Chidambaram said.
On Thursday (US time), Headley pleaded guilty before a Chicago court, admitting he had scouted for targets ahead of a brazen terrorist attack on Mumbai on 26 November 2008.
As a result, as per law, Headley will not face any trial or won’t be given the death penalty.
Under the plea bargain, Headley has escaped the death penalty. He also cannot be extradited from the US to India, Pakistan or Denmark.
Chidambaram said India would continue to press for Headley’s extradition.
“We will continue with our plea for extradition of Headley,” he said.
“We have been given a significant amount of information by the US gathered during investigation in the Headley case,” Chidambaram added.
He further said extradition would be difficult when a person is being interrogated in a country. I don’t know when their court procedure would come to an end.
In his guilty plea Headley has agreed to take part in foreign judicial proceedings through deposition, video conferencing or Letters Rogatory.
Chidambaram said India would request for access to Headley to question him and also to make him testify.
He further said the development in related to Headley’s case would not hinder the 26/11 proceedings in India.
“It (26/11 trial) is final stage, the final argument is expected to start in a couple of days or by next week, it (Headley case) will not affect 26/11 trial,” Chisdambaram said.
On Thursday, Headley pleaded guilty to a dozen charges in a Chicago Court and admitted his role in planning the 26/11 Mumbai terror strike. (ANI)
